It does not substantively change any language in the law. it still prescribes that any hospital which seeks to hire foreign nurses under these provisions must meet the following criteria: (1) be located in a Health Professional Shortage Area. (2) have at least 190 acute care beds. (3) have a medicare population of 35 percemt. and (4) have a Medicaid population of at least 28 percent. As one who has always fought for the American worker. I can assure you that this proposal does not have a detrimental effect on American nurses. My legislation continues the cap on the number of new visas that may be issued each year. It also includes processing requirements that require employers to attest that the hiring of foreign nurses will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of registered nurses. The Secretary of Labor will oversee this process and provide penalties for noncompliance.