WHY is LEGISLATION IMPORTANT IN NURSING?

  1. Autonomy in nursing practice.

  2. It helps the person stay current on implemented changes before a student even begins practicing.

  3. Protection when practicing.

  4. It allows someone to feel seen and included if they are passionate about an issue being addressed.

  5. Begin to see those things you may want to change.

ALl things Legislation

  • SAVE Act

    • Full practice authority for advanced practitioners (includes certified nurse midwife, CRNA, Clinical nurse specialist, and NP)

    • Eliminates physician overwatch of NPs

    • Establishing APRNs as a nursing practice, not medicine.

    Surgical Smoke

    • Working alongside w/periop RN to eradicate surgical smoke in the OR. OR personnel smoke exposure is equivalent to 20 packs of cigarettes a day.

    Workforce Development

    • Working on retention rates in at-risk fields (not limited to nursing)

  • Nursing Practice Act 

    • The legislation that regulates and standardizes what nursing practice looks like in North Carolina

    NC General Statute 90-171.43 i

    • Prohibits calling someone and/or yourself “nurse” without having the proper credentials. (CNA can not shorten to nurse)

    G.S. § 90-171.23 (b) (20)

    • “Adopt rules requiring an applicant to submit to the Board evidence of the applicant's continuing competence in the practice of nursing at the time of license renewal or reinstatement.”

  • “The House of Representatives consists of 120 members who serve a term of two years. The presiding officer is the Speaker of the House who is elected by the members for a two-year term. The Speaker's duties include maintaining order in the House and appointing members to committees.” (House, n.d.)

    “The Senate consists of 50 members who serve a term of two years. The Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate and presides over the daily session. The Lieutenant Governor is elected by the citizens of North Carolina for a four-year term and has no vote in the Senate except to break a tie. The Senate elects officers from their membership including the President Pro Tempore.” (North Carolina Senate, n.d.)

  • House. (n.d.). North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.ncleg.gov/House

    NCNA. (n.d.). Legislative. NCNA. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://ncnurses.org/advocacy/legislative/

    North Carolina Senate. (n.d.). North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved June 19, 2024, from https://www.ncleg.gov/Senate

How things are voted on in NCNA

Senator Gale Adcock

Nurses in the General Assembly

Senator
Gale Adcock;
District 16

Representative
Donna M. White;
District 26

Representative
Carla Cunningham; District 106

Representative Diamond Staton- Williams;
District 73

Representative
Diane Wheatley; District 43

Districts in NC Supported by Nurses in the General Assembly

Get in contact with your legislators!

Why should I contact my legislators?

Nursing students should engage with legislators to advocate for healthcare policies that improve patient care, nursing education, and public health. This involvement helps shape the future of nursing practice and develops students' leadership and advocacy skills.

How do I get in contact with my legislators?

Letter: The number one way to get your legislator's attention is by writing them a letter and telling them why the proposal is important to you.

Visit REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT INFO for phone number and email.

This template is provided by NCANS’ Legislative Director for your convenience when getting started in contacting your legislators!

Legislative Events

Night at the Legislature

NCNA Annual Convention

Resolutions

Each NSNA school constituent may submit one resolution to be considered by the NSNA House of Delegates during the Annual Convention. 

  • "A Resolution is a written statement that, when adopted by the House of Delegates, is the basis for the policies and actions of the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA).

    Resolutions are presented on matters of importance to the NSNA, its members and constituent associations, the nursing profession, healthcare professionals, and the public's health needs. Resolutions should address only one topic or issue, be national in scope, and fall within the purposes and functions stated in the NSNA Bylaws and Mission"

    Read more about an NSNA resolution using the link to the right!

    • "In support of increased awareness of non-pharmacological interventions to manage acute pain in hospitalized patients"

    • "In support of increasing awareness and reducing health inequalities for incarcerated patient populations"

    • "In support of increasing awareness and education about epilepsy in nursing school"

    Find more examples using the link to the right!

  • Use the links to the right for guidelines on how to submit a resolution, in addition to a resolution template.

    Resolutions are due in January

    • Abstract: 3-4 well-written sentences summarizing the resolution, its purpose, and intended outcomes

    • Estimated Cost: Itemizes estimated cost for NSNA to implement resolution

    • Contacts (Excel file): Includes Contact person, organization name, email, and website addresses of all parties involved

    • Resolution main file: Use of template for proper formatting

    • References List: APA citations cited in "Whereas" statements

  • Submission deadline: January 15th, 2025 by 5:00pm ET

    Virtual Resolution Hearings (Authors must be in attendance): March 24-25th, 2025 from 6:30-9:00pm ET

    NSNA Annual Convention: April 9-13th, 2025 in Seattle, WA

Legislation updates from Hurricane Helene