Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced the “Train More Nurses Act” on October 26, 2023, to address the nursing shortage impacting the health care sector nationwide. The Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) to jointly review federal grant programs carried out by both agencies that provide critical support to the nursing workforce.

The review will identify opportunities to enhance these programs and provide subsequent recommendations to Congress in three key areas:

• Increasing Nurse Workforce: The bill focuses on expanding the number of nurses, with a specific emphasis on addressing the shortage in underserved and critical need areas.
• Strengthening Career Pathways: To provide nurses with a clear and robust career progression, the bill seeks to strengthen existing career pathways.
• Improving LPN to RN Pathways: The bill will help facilitate the transition from Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to Registered Nurses (RNs).

A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mike Braun (R-IN).