ILW.COM HEALTHCARE PANEL- SEPTEMBER 30, 2003:
MIKE HAMMOND TO SPEAK
Mike Hammond will be part of a panel of speakers for a CGFNS sponsored
teleconference hosted by ILW.com. The panel is part of a 3 part series,
"Current Issues In Immigration For Nurses And Other Healthcare
Professionals”
SHERRY NEAL OF HLG IS AILA KEYNOTE PANELIST
On September 19, 2003, Sherry Neal, Esq., an attorney with the Hammond Law
Group, was featured as a resource panelist at the American Immigration
Lawyers Association (AILA) Fall Interactive Workshop on Occupations.
Ms. Neal's discussion centered on healthcare immigration.
http://www.aila.org/contentViewer.aspx?bc=8,2371
CGFNS ONLINE STATUS
Hammond Law Group has recently learned that CGFNS will begin an online
system where recruiters will be able to log in with their password and get
a status report of all pending VisaScreens. The system is being
beta-tested right now with some large staffing companies. It is expected
to be universally available around the first of the year.
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/index.html
CGFNS PREPARES FOR INCREASED CASELOAD
CGFNS is currently taking steps to handle a higher volume of cases which
it expects as a result of the new VisaScreen Regulations. CGFNS has hired
additional employees, including an evening shift, and has acquired
additional office space. CGFNS estimates that they currently process 1,000
VisaScreens each month.
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/index.html
H-1 RUMORS AND INNUENDO
On October 1, 2003, the provisions at INA 214(c)(9)(A) will sunset, which
will lead to a few immediate and significant changes to the H-1 program
some of which may impact healthcare immigration.
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/alerts/09.16.03alert.htm
ILLINOIS REQUIRES CGFNS EXAM FOR ENDORSEMENT
DEATH RATES LINKED TO NURSING EDUCATION
The Illinois Board of Nursing requires nurses to pass the CGFNS exam even
when applying for licensure by endorsement unless the nurse can prove that
she is licensed in another state and has been actively practicing in that
state for at least two years. For the rules and procedures for licensing
in Illinois, see
http://www.dpr.state.il.us/apply/forms/rn-en.pdf
A study from 168 Pennsylvania hospitals revealed that patients' death
rates were higher with nurses who do not have a bachelor's degree. The
study was partially funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research.
ABC NEWS REPORT: NURSING RANKS HIGH AMONG HOT JOB
PROSPECTS
Although unemployment remains 6-7% nationwide, ABC News recently reported
that nursing remains one of the hottest job markets. Also cited were CIA
positions.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/Business/GMA030901Job_outlook.html
CGFNS ANNOUNCES 2004 DATES
CGFNS recently announced dates for the 2004 Qualifying exam.
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/newsandevents/newsreleases/pr_2004ExamDates.html
2003 FEDERATION OF STATE BOARD OF PHYSICAL
THERAPY
The 2003 Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy will be holding
their Annual Meeting in Kansas City from October 15-20, 2003.
http://www.stayatmarriott.com/FSBPT/
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (aka Immigration and
Naturalization Service or INS) has once again changed its name, this time
to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For the
time being the agency will continue to accept checks made out to USCIS,
BCIS or INS.
www.immigration.gov
HLG HEALTHCARE TELECONFERENCE "A COMPLETE
SUCCESS."
On September 10, 2003 Hammond Law Group held a free teleconference on
healthcare immigration: specifically the new visa screen rules impacting
nonimmigrant visa applicants and the recently enacted Singapore and Chile
Free Trade Agreements. The firm estimates that 100 or so friends and
clients participated in the call.
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/healthcare_teleconference.htm
Hammond Law Group has a team of attorneys and legal staff who work with leading hospitals, recruiting agencies, and other healthcare providers to handle the immigration processing of cases for professional nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and other healthcare providers. This eZine is designed to provide our clients with only the information they need. For more detailed information about any of the topics discussed, please contact us and a member of our healthcare team will be happy to speak to you. mfh@hammondlawfirm.com