CONGRESSWOMAN LAWRENCE INTRODUCES H.R. 5543 - THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE ACT OF 2016
CONGRESSWOMAN LAWRENCE INTRODUCES H.R. 5543 - THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE ACT OF 2016
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) introduced H.R. 5543, the Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2016, which would prioritize education and training for existing and new environmental health professionals.
“The recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan highlighted the critical role of our environmental health workforce,” Congresswoman Lawrence said. “Every American deserves the right to safe drinking water, clean air to breathe, and a healthy community to raise their children. H.R. 5543 ensures that quality by providing professionals across the nation with the proper education and training to safeguard and promote healthcare quality and accessibility.”
Congresswoman Lawrence was joined by the bill’s original co-sponsors, Ranking Democrat of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. John Conyers (MI-13), and Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-5). H.R. 5543 was endorsed by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
“All Americans have the right to safe food, water, and communities,” said David T. Dyjack, Dr.PH, CIH, Executive Director & CEO, National Environmental Health Association. “Environmental health professionals are educated and trained to a consistent set of standards and guidelines assuring that right. Representative Lawrence’s leadership, through this landmark legislation, should give every community peace of mind in knowing that their family’s health and safety are assured by qualified, accountable, and efficient professionals. We praise the Congresswoman’s efforts to shine a light on this issue of strategic national importance, as Zika, Flint, and food safety dominate the news.”
H.R. 5543 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, to develop model standards, guidelines, and technical assistance for credentialing environmental health workers as well as developing a comprehensive workforce plan that identifies and addresses ways to strengthen the environmental health workforce. Finally, H.R. 5543 would direct the Comptroller General of the United States to examine and identify best practices in six states related to training and credentialing requirements for environmental health workers.
“The process of identifying gaps between the performance of existing environmental health programs and those of the future, as outlined in this legislation, will provide a roadmap to rebuild the local workforce, restore our faith in government, and renew our commitment to our children’s quality of life,” said Rep. Lawrence.
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