GALVESTON, Texas - Two graduate nursing students at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston turned their public health policy class into public health policy during the 81st session of the Texas Legislature.
Because of the passage of HB 392, nursing homes in Texas will be required to have automatic external defibrillators onsite and at least one employee trained in their operation. Rep. Dwayne Bohac, who represents a portion of Harris County, sponsored the bill, which goes into effect on Sept. 1.
Working under the guidance of professor Linda Rounds, Martha Coleman and Judy Moore, master's students in the UTMB School of Nursing and nurse managers at UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, were motivated by the revelation that nursing homes in Texas were not required to have automatic external defibrillators, much less staff trained to use them.
"The summer Judy and I took our class, AEDs were in the news because of legislation proposed by state Sen. Jane Nelson that the devices be available in our schools," Coleman said. The two then considered other places where the devices could be of value. According to the American Heart Association, 57-75 percent of sudden cardiac arrest occurs at home.
"The senior care facility is home for the residents there," Coleman said.
They attempted to contact several legislators about the need for AEDs in nursing homes and finally hit pay dirt with Bohac who represents District 138, where Coleman lives. Bohac's district director, Kay Clinton, thought he would be interested in the proposal, so Coleman and Moore provided talking points along with research articles about AEDs.
Bohac's office drafted the bill, which Coleman and Moore reviewed. The two testified before the Heath and Human Services Subcommittee. Gov. Rick Perry signed the bill on May 30.
"We were encouraged that not a single ‘nay' was recorded in either the house or senate," Coleman said.
"This is an excellent example of the impact graduate nursing education can have on our health care system," said Kathryn "Kate" Fiandt, associate dean for graduate programs and clinical affairs. "The students not only learn how the system works but see how they can influence the legislative system and have a positive impact on our patients' health and safety."
"I never dreamed the work we did would have such a direct effect on public health policies," Moore said. "Going to Austin to testify before the Heath and Human Services Subcommittee was a great learning experience. The committee members listened attentively and asked pertinent questions. Martha and I were the only ones who testified before the committee. I really enjoyed participating in and watching the process of a bill becoming a law."
"We learned that our legislators are listening to nurses and respect the value we bring to health care legislation based on our education, training and experience," Coleman said. "What started as a course assignment turned into a real life lesson that gave us the opportunity to have a positive effect on health care for vulnerable Texas senior citizens."
During the 2007 legislative session, graduate students in the public health policy class proposed a bill that resulted in Obesity Awareness Week, which is observed the second full week of September.