2019 Georgia Nurses Association Yearbook

2019 GNA Membership Assembly
‣ Assisted GNA Legislative Committee with obtaining resources related to Health Care Advocacy 101
and tools
‣ January 3, 2019-Met with Tim Davis and Matt Caseman to discuss developing and design a GNA state
specific advocacy training program for nurses.
• Three webinars on line and one day at the Capitol calling on legislators
• Picture with the Lt. Governor and the nurses’ perspective legislator
‣ GNA hosted nurse leaders’ meeting to further unify the nursing leadership community and align political
platforms
‣ Attended Gwinnett Cty State Delegation Pre-legislative Town Hall
• Legislators are very Nurse friendly and very open to supporting APRNs practicing to their full
authority
GNA Legislative Director Board Report
October 2018
Overall Summary/Major Accomplishments/Upcoming Meetings:
‣ October 16, 2018-Attended SOS Kemp/GNA Meeting
Kemp campaign sent a representative to GNA to meet with GNA/Nursing community to discuss how
they would support nursing if elected
‣ Attending American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) in Washington, DC, September 30-October 2,
2018
Launched by the ANA in 2009, the program grooms each nurse to ultimately be an effective advisor
to their state nurses association in establishing legislative / regulatory priorities, recommending strategies
for execution in the advancement of a policy issue, and educating colleagues about the political
realities and how they too can be more effective advocates. The program is competitive, capped at 24
participants, so each individual can benefit optimally from the interactive sessions held in Washington,
DC as well as the ongoing mentor support throughout the year. Not including the current cohort 206
have participated in the program, representing 42 states. The 2018 – 2019 class of 23 represented 18
states – AZ, CO, GA, IL, IA, KS, MA, MI, MO, MT, NH, NV, NM, OH, SC, SD, TX, WVV.
• While in DC, nurses hear from influential nurse leaders such as long-standing Minnesota House
Representative who campaigned for Governor this year, Erin Murphy, MA, RN, FAAN; Mary Behrens,
MS, RN FNP BC former Wyoming Mayor and State Legislator; and Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris, RN, Ed.D.
Major General USAF, Retired, the former Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Center
for Women Veterans. Attendees learn about navigating the legislative process based on the political
environmental scan and messaging for differing audiences from leaders in the public relations
arena. Application of some of these acquired skills are first exercised with visits to Congressional
offices. The learning continues throughout the year with discussion of other related topics and the
ability to apply at the state level.
• Legislation discussed with Congressional offices:
• THE SAFE STAFFING FOR NURSE AND PATIENT SAFETY ACT
(H.R. 5052 / S. 2446)
‣ Deloach Foundation Conference Call, November 15, 2018
• The Abbie DeLoach Foundation that was founded about April 22, 2016. Their family is and has
been involved in local politics for over 30 plus years. Abbie’s uncle, Eddie is currently Mayor of
22