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The D.C. Nurse Licensure Compact Authorization Act of 2023

Councilmember Matt Frumin introduced the District of Columbia Nurse Licensure Compact Authorization Act of 2023, which would enter the District into the national Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The bill was co-introduced by Committee on Health Chair Christina Henderson, Committee on Hospital and Health Equity Chair Vince Gray, and Councilmembers Zachary Parker, Brooke Pinto, Robert White, and Kenyan McDuffie.

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Councilmember Matt Frumin Introduces Bill to Address Acute Shortage of Nurses

MEDIA CONTACT: Christian Damiana 202.258.9532 | cdamiana@dccouncil.gov Councilmember Matt Frumin Introduces Bill to Address Acute Shortage of Nurses Frumin’s proposal would admit the District of Columbia to the Nurse Licensure Compact and allow licensed nurses from 41 states to practice in DC without obtaining an additional license. Washington, DC — Councilmember Matt Frumin introduced today the District of Columbia Nurse Licensure Compact Authorization Act of 2023, which would enter the District into the national Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The bill was co-introduced by Committee on Health Chair Christina Henderson, Committee on Hospital and Health Equity Chair Vince Gray, and Councilmembers Zachary Parker, Brooke Pinto, Robert White, and Kenyan McDuffie. Like much of the country, DC is facing an acute shortage of nurses. According to the District of Columbia Nurses Association, more than 95% of nurses in DC believe inadequate staffing was a “major issue” at their facility. This shortage jeopardizes patient care, puts a strain on health care providers, and overburdens nurses, leading to burnout and turnover, which in turn exacerbates the shortage of nurses.…

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A People-first FY2024 Budget: Safe, Healthy Neighborhoods

We all deserve to feel safe in our communities, and our FY 24 budget demonstrates that public safety is a top priority for the District government. I’m proud that the Council funded the Metropolitan Police Department's full hiring and retention request. This investment will enable MPD to expand its recruitment efforts and promote community-based policing goals. While law enforcement is a critical component of public safety, the FY 24 budget also addresses underlying drivers of crime by funding productive programming and employment opportunities for our youth.

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Statement on Improving Public Safety in our Community

We can make our neighborhoods safer with a strategy that promotes an adequately resourced police department, comprehensive wraparound services, and community-centered professional policing. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) should be adequately resourced to prevent and respond to crime effectively. While recent budgets included funds to increase MPD personnel, recruitment and retention of officers remain a struggle. I am reviewing existing incentive structures and exploring innovative ways to recruit qualified officers who reflect the communities they serve and the racial, economic, and gender diversity of our city. Training efforts should prioritize building meaningful connections between officers and communities that increase accountability and strengthen the department’s ability to work with residents and local leaders to prevent crime. In tandem with personnel investments, I support data-driven responses to crime that enable MPD to be nimble in allocating resources to address increases in violent and property crimes where they occur. Expanded use of proven tools like Crime Suppression Teams, which respond to incidents with additional police presence, allow MPD to address safety concerns. I expect the mayor’s proposed budget will…

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