National Nursing Workforce Center Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2025
Bottom line
The National Nursing Workforce Center Act of 2025 creates a federal pilot program and strengthens national support for state-level initiatives to collect data, analyze trends, and implement strategies to alleviate nursing shortages and improve workforce stability.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a 2-year pilot program to create or enhance State-based nursing workforce centers, focusing on data collection, strategic planning, and programs to support and grow the nursing workforce. It also expands an existing Public Health Service Act program to ensure dedicated analysis and technical assistance for nursing workforce issues at a national or regional level. The bill aims to address nursing shortages by improving data, fostering public-private partnerships, and supporting recruitment and retention efforts.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a critical step towards addressing the severe and growing nursing shortage across the United States. They contend that by investing in data-driven approaches and supporting state-level centers, the bill will provide the necessary infrastructure to understand workforce dynamics, identify effective interventions, and ultimately ensure a robust supply of qualified nurses to meet healthcare demands. Proponents emphasize the importance of comprehensive data to inform policy and the value of public-private partnerships in achieving these goals.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, the authorized funding of $1.5 million per year for a nationwide pilot program is insufficient to make a meaningful impact on a problem of this scale. Some may also contend that the bill creates another layer of bureaucracy without guaranteeing tangible improvements in nurse recruitment or retention, or that existing programs could be better utilized or reformed instead of creating new ones. Others might express concern about the matching requirement potentially disadvantaging states with fewer resources.
The bill is concise and can be read and understood by an informed reader within the typical time allotted for legislative review.
Section 2, Part G, Section 785
State and Regional Nursing Workforce Center Data Collection Pilot Program
This section authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 2-year pilot program. This program will provide grants to states to create new or enhance existing nursing workforce centers. These centers will collect data, evaluate their impact, and assess the feasibility of public-private partnerships to address nursing workforce issues. The grants require a 1:4 non-Federal matching contribution and prioritize entities with statewide reach and expertise.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this pilot program is essential for building a robust, data-driven foundation for addressing nursing shortages. By supporting state-level centers, it allows for tailored solutions to local workforce challenges, while the focus on public-private partnerships can leverage diverse resources. The matching requirement ensures state and local commitment.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that a 2-year pilot program with limited funding may not be sufficient to establish sustainable, impactful centers across the nation. They may also argue that the matching requirement could be a barrier for states with fewer resources, potentially leading to an uneven distribution of benefits.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need for targeted state-level solutions with the challenge of ensuring broad national impact given limited initial funding. The matching requirement aims to foster local investment but could exclude some areas.
Section 2, Part G, Section 785(f)
Use of Funds for Statewide Activities
This subsection specifies how the funds from the pilot program grants can be used by the nursing workforce centers. Permitted activities include comprehensive analysis of nursing workforce data, education programs, scholarships, and factors contributing to retention and recruitment challenges. Funds can also be used for strategic planning, focused research on nursing shortages (including contract nursing), and establishing programs to support faculty, recruit/retain nurses, develop leadership, address social determinants of health, prepare for public health crises, and assist individuals in entering or advancing in the nursing profession.
Section 3, Section 761(c)(3)-(5)
Dedicated National/Regional Analysis and Technical Assistance for Nursing Workforce
This section amends the Public Health Service Act to require that at least one grant or contract for health workforce analysis be awarded to an entity specifically focused on the nursing workforce. This entity must have expertise in guiding state-level centers, working with nursing data, and analytical methods. It will collaborate with state nursing workforce centers to produce national reports, conduct evaluations, develop evidence-based strategies to alleviate shortages, and provide technical assistance on data collection, training, and resources through a dedicated website.
Requires a non-Federal matching contribution of at least $1 for each $4 of Federal funds for grants awarded under the pilot program.
Section 2, Part G, Section 785(b)(2)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for grant programs to ensure local commitment and leverage additional resources.
Case for: Proponents argue that the matching requirement ensures that states and local entities have a vested interest in the success of the nursing workforce centers and encourages broader financial support from public or private entities.
Case against: Critics might argue that this requirement could disproportionately affect states or regions with fewer financial resources, potentially limiting their ability to participate in the pilot program despite having significant nursing workforce needs.
Estimated impact: Could reduce the number of eligible participants or necessitate significant fundraising efforts by potential grantees, impacting the geographical distribution of the pilot program.
Authorizes the Secretary to use up to $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for the pilot program, drawn from existing Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) workforce initiatives appropriations.
Section 2, Part G, Section 785(h)
Why it matters:This is a common legislative practice to place funding authorizations at the end of a section. The use of existing appropriations rather than new ones is also a way to manage budget impacts.
Case for: Proponents would argue that by drawing from existing HRSA appropriations, the bill avoids creating new mandatory spending and demonstrates fiscal prudence. The specified amount provides a clear, albeit modest, commitment to the program.
Case against: Critics might argue that this limited funding, drawn from existing initiatives, indicates a lack of serious commitment to addressing the nursing shortage. They may contend that $1.5 million per year is insufficient to establish or significantly enhance multiple state-based centers across the country, especially given the scale of the problem.
Estimated impact: Authorizes $3 million in federal spending over two fiscal years (2026-2027) for the pilot program, reallocating funds within HRSA's existing budget.