2019 Alabama State Nurses Association Yearbook

2019 Alabama State Nurses Association Annual Convention
COMMISSION ON PROFESSIONAL ISSUES (COPI)
Jay Prosser MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC
The Commission on Professional Issues works to both advocate and address issues which impact nursing
practice within the State of Alabama. COPI has worked on the following projects this year:
Medication Re-packing Law. This year saw both the Alabama Pharmacy Board and the Alabama Board
of Nursing approved home-health and hospice nurses removing medication from prescription bottles and
placing them in other distribution containers. This has been a long-standing effort by COPI as well as other
ASNA committees.
Joint Resolution Against Nurse Violence. COPI supported HJR37, a joint resolution which posted a
warning in clinical waiting areas that assaulting a nurse is a felony.
Enhance Nurse Licensure Compact in Alabama. COPI encouraged its members and other nurses to
contact their legislators in support of making Alabama a Compact state.
Violence Against Nurses. Recognizing that violence against nurses is a growing issue, COPI made this a
key issue in 2019. Members of the committee reached out through social media as well as other means
and heard stories of Alabama nurses and their struggles against violence. COPI continues to make this a
priority moving forward.
Lateral Violence. COPI is involved in researching and advocating for healthier work environments in our
state. This includes reducing lateral violence against nurses (i.e. bullying). COPI is making healthier work
environments a key issue moving into next year.
Professional Panel. COPI is supporting this year’s professional panel at Convention. This panel will address
key issues that affect quality nursing practice within the state.
Legislative Issues. COPI continues to offer support for various legislative issues that affect nursing practice
in our state and will work to bring these issues to the forefront.
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