SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 92
(By Senator Prezioso)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance direct the
Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources
Accountability study the prevalence of musculoskeletal
injuries in the nursing profession.
Whereas, West Virginia and the United States are currently
experiencing a nursing shortage which is causing a crisis in health
care service delivery; and
Whereas, One of the contributing factors to the shortage of
nursing care is the physical demands on nursing professionals
resulting from patient handling and lifting; and
Whereas, Injuries to those individuals involved in the nursing
industry as a result of these physical demands are most often of a
musculoskeletal nature; and
Whereas, Occurrences of these injuries are costly to employers
due to lost time of the workforce, compensation of injured
employees and medical payments resulting from these injuries; and
Whereas, A reduction in the incidence of these types of
injuries would be financially advantageous to employers and serve
to encourage greater involvement in the nursing profession;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to direct the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health
and Human Resources Accountability study the prevalence of
musculoskeletal injuries in the nursing profession; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative Oversight Commission on
Health and Human Resources Accountability consult with the West
Virginia Nurses Association and the West Virginia Center for
Nursing by utilizing their resources to gather statistical data and
present expert advice on the means and manner to address this
problem; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative Oversight Commission on
Health and Human Resources Accountability report to the regular
session of the Legislature, 2007, on its findings, conclusions and
recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary
to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.