TYLER, Texas — Dr. Barbara Haas, dean of the UT Tyler School of Nursing, has been appointed to a committee for the Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program.
Haas was nominated to the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee by UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun and appointed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The purpose of the committee Haas is assigned to is to review and amend definitions for the Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program in the Texas Administrative Code, according to UT Tyler.
Amending the definitions will help the program operate some smoothly and evolve with the health care needs of the state. The membership includes 19 representatives from community colleges, public health-related institutions, hospital industry, public technical colleges, independent institutions and public universities, UT Tyler's press release stated.
The United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card and Shortage Forecast in 2019 shows a registered nurse shortage is expected to spread across the country through 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 203,000 openings for RNs each year through 2031 with nurse retirements and workforce exits as contributing factors.
“It is a privilege to represent UT Tyler and serve on the THECB Negotiated Rulemaking Committee,” Haas said. “Through collaborative efforts, we can make meaningful changes that positively impact the future of health care in Texas.”
Haas joined UT Tyler as a senior lecturer in 1992. Before becoming dean in 2021, she served as a professor, doctoral program director and associate dean. She has led the School of Nursing for nine years.