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. PassiveActiveMonitor Directly lobby members of the General Assembly in support or opposition. Testify before committees. Activate grass- roots network as necessary. Passive endorsement of, or opposition to, legislation. No active lobbying. Voice support or opposition before committees as deemed appropriate. Track progress of legislation through the process. 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.

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 Executive Director: Susan Motley Phone: