medicalMonitor
the monthly healthcare immigration eZine
published by Hammond Law Group, LLC
MAY 5, 2005 VOL. III ISSUE 5 (MAY ISSUE)
Visit www.HammondLawFirm.com
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http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/mailing_list.htm
THE END OF RETROGRESSION
The deal between the House and Senate to recapture unused immigrant visa
numbers and eliminate retrogression was finalized. The deal creates a
special EB3 immigrant class for Schedule A occupations -- registered nurses
and physical therapists. The special class exempts 50,000 immigrant visas
from the general EB3 category and effectively ends nurse and physical
therapist retrogression for at least the next two or three years.
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/healthcare_alerts_main.htm
To read our past Healthcare Immigration Alerts
detailing the push to eliminate retrogression:
Title
Date Issued
04.20.2005
04.15.2005
03.30.2005
03.02.2005
01.07.2005
12.03.2004
1Q 2005 NCLEX FACT SHEET RELEASED
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has released the latest
statistics on the NCLEX exam. The report shows candidates from the
Philippines continue to lead first time test takers, followed by India,
Canada, South Korea, Cuba and Nigeria.
http://www.ncsbn.org/pdfs/NCLEX_fact_sheet.pdf
CALIFORNIA HOSPITALS SEEK TO GROW SUPPLY OF NURSES
Spurred by the California staffing ratios, local hospitals, community
colleges, nursing schools and nonprofits devoted tremendous amounts of
money, staff and innovative efforts to add nurses to their roles.
http://www.bizjournals.com/industries/health_care/hospitals/2005/04/18/sanfrancisco_focus2.html?f=et163
BILL GATES: INCREASE H-1 QUOTA
Bill Gates was on Capitol Hill to promote science education, research and
development funding. When asked what he would do if he could make the laws,
Gates quickly stated: "I'd certainly get rid of the H1B cap."
http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3500986
ILW.COM: 100% DENIAL RATE FOR PERM
Employers filing for Labor Certifications have not yet had a single case
approved under the new PERM rules. The good news for healthcare employers is
that Schedule A occupations (nurses and physical therapists) do not file
PERM Labor Certifications.
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/immigdaily/digest/2005,0425.shtm
PHILIPPINES CONSIDERED AS VENUE FOR NCLEX
Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairman Dante Ang recently said that
the Philippines is being considered as a venue for the American licensure
examination for foreign nurses.
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&col=&story_id=35673
RENOVATIONS AT CGFNS
CGFNS is undergoing office renovations from May 13 to August 31. Any
in-person meetings at CGFNS need to be arranged in advance during this
renovation period.
http://www.cgfns.org
FILIPINO NURSES BARRED FROM JAPAN
The 500,000-strong Japanese Nursing Association has opposed plans to allow
the entry of more Filipino nurses and health care workers as proposed under
the economic partnership agreement between the two countries.
http://www.21stcenturynurse.com/nursenewsapr05.htm#News_from_Japan_
CGFNS OPENS NIGERIAN TEST CENTER
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is opening an
exam center in Abuja, Nigeria to conduct its Qualifying Exam for nurses in
Nigeria. At this time, the exam center will only be open for the September
21, 2005 exam. The deadline for applying is June 22, 2005.
http://www.cgfns.org/press-news.shtml#news13
OVERVIEW OF HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN U.S.
The American Hospital Association has released a PowerPoint presentation,
“Overview of Healthcare System in the U.S.” The presentation shows the
highest vacancy rate for registered nurses and shows a correlation between
workforce shortages and patient care.
http://www.aha.org/aha/resource_center/statistics/statistics.html
HLG’S MIKE HAMMOND PRESENTS AT MARSKELL’S HEALTH
CAREER FAIR
On Friday April 29, 2005, Mike Hammond presented at a seminar specifically
targeted to Canadian healthcare workers seeking entry into the United States
and the employers who seek these talented workers.
http://marskell.jobscience.com/torontoAPR.htm
HLG ATTORNEY PUBLISHED IN NEW BOOK
HLG attorney Sherry Neal was a contributing author for the new PERM book
released this month. The article addresses the changes the Department of
Labor made to Schedule A cases under the PERM Regulations.
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/store/THEPERMBOOK.shtm
HLG ATTORNEYS SPEAK AT NBI SEMINARS
HLG attorneys Sherry Neal, Cindy Unkenholt and Amy Dalal are presenting a
series of seminars in May and June through the National Business Institute.
The seminars are titled “Corporate Opportunities and Legal Responsibilities
of Hiring Foreign Workers”. For further details, email
rm@hammondlawfirm.com
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