VIRGINIA NURSES ASSOCIATION District 2 VNA’s Government Relations Program Linda Ault, Commissioner on Government Relations James Pickral, Lobbyist
Objectives • Provide an overview of the VNA’s mission/vision and strategic plan as it relates to government relations • Describe specific legislative advocacy efforts from the 2010 General Assembly • Describe opportunities for nurses to influence health care policy during the 2010 General Assembly
VNA MISSION Promote advocacy and education for Registered Nurses to advance professional practice and influence the delivery of quality healthcare
VNA VISION VNA is the recognized leader and voice promoting the nursing profession and collaborating with others to meet the healthcare needs of all persons in the Commonwealth.
Goal #1: Legislative Advocacy • Enhance recognition of the nursing profession • Ensure a positive legislative and regulatory climate for nursing practice
Policy Examples • • • • • •
Statutes, laws, programs Reimbursement methodology Regs/rules (BON) Judicial decisions Private sector effort Choice of a health plan
Policy Change • Issue fatigue • Mind set to problem solve • Takes time to probe underlying assumptions and values dictating policy
How do we create strategies and advocate for policy change? Lobbying Grass roots
Leading Policy Change – change can be difficult for all – this work is highly complex, the time horizon for success is very long
Health Care Reform • ANA’s work/VNA’s work • Roles • Resources
Public Policy Agenda • Priorities • How we determine • Timeline
Determining Legislative Priorities Legislation (Submitted by VNA or filed by member of the General Assembly) Legislation submitted to VNA’s legislative committee for review. Legislation reviewed by legislative committee. Active
Directly lobby members of the General Assembly in support or opposition. Testify before committees. Activate grass- roots network as necessary.
Passive
Passive endorsement of, or opposition to, legislation. No active lobbying. Voice support or opposition before committees as deemed appropriate.
Weekly conference calls with VNA to give updates on legislative efforts. Weekly legislative reports for dissemination by VNA. Final report at the conclusion of session.
Monitor
Track progress of legislation through the process.
Legislative Timeline • November, December – Identify and make contact with new members of the House of Delegates
• January – session begins • February – Legislative Day – Cross-over – Maintain advocacy as necessary
Legislative Timeline • March – General Assembly adjourns – Planning begins for 2011
• April, May, June, July – Begin planning PAC giving, fundraisers, and forums
• August, September, October – Begin VNA review of legislation submitted/sponsored
How a Bill Becomes a Law • Handout
Priority • Nursing shortage • Education • Barriers to practice – NP’s
Other Areas • Not just legislative • Regulatory and educational efforts as well
Continuing education/Continued competence • Nurses are only health profession without CE requirement • Being considered by Board of Health Professions/BON/NCSBN • AARP grant
Impact of Election Results • What does it mean for nursing?
Any Emerging Issues? • Mandatory OT? • BSN in 10? • NEW issues – not trends and cycles
Twenty dollars a month can buy … a) 5 Grande Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Lattes b) Half of a tank of gasoline c) Membership in the Association that represents Nursing in the Commonwealth and a subscription to the American Nurse Today
Contact Information Virginia Nurses Association 7113 Three Chopt Road, Suite 204 Richmond, Va. 23226 Executive Director: Susan Motley Email:
[email protected] Phone: 800-868-6877 www.virginianurses.com www.nursingworld.org
