LANSING – The Michigan Nurses Association, the state's largest nurses professional association, today awarded State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens) with the 2008 Friend of Nursing Award for his strong advocacy on behalf of nurses and patients.
"Nurses make up the backbone of our health care system, working hard every single day to protect the health and well-being of Michigan's citizens," Miller said. "I am honored and humbled to receive this Friend of Nursing Award from a group that fosters such high standards for patient care. I am proud to have partnered with the Michigan Nurses Association to ensure that nurses receive the workplace support they deserve to continue providing outstanding care, and I will continue that fight."
The award was presented to Miller during the "Michigan Nurses March" program, which brought hundreds of nurses to the Capitol on Wednesday to speak out on the issues that affect their profession, including improved workplace safety and increased access to affordable health care.
Miller, the Chair of the House Labor Committee, is the main sponsor of House Bill 4443, which would ensure that
taxpayer dollars do not go toward union-busting or pro-union activities. Miller has held hearings about this bill in
Lansing and Detroit. Additionally, Miller has also supported a House plan to strengthen protections for patients
by requiring hospitals to develop staffing plans and prohibiting hospitals from using mandatory overtime as a staffing
tool except for unforeseen situations.