The ACHNE Policy Committee was developed in 2020 for the purpose of responding to and advocating for legislation and policies that advance and promote community/public health issues. We have been extremely busy in the time since. We have two arms to this committee: practice and education. As a committee, we review briefs, policies, letters, and communications with our legislation. We update, inform, advocate, and educate on a wide spectrum of health care issues.
In 2021, as an active member of NCC (Nursing Community Coalition), we collaborated nationally / monthly with sixty nursing organizations to positively influence public health goals through thirty-three separate community actions. These actions included drafting correspondence to the Congress or Administration, creating policy documents related to NCC core principles, promote advocacy, visit policy makers, initiate grassroots campaigns, nominate candidates for federal commissions/committees.
In 2022, we have reviewed and endorsed several pieces of legislation, including Menstrual Products Right To Know Act of 2022 and Implementing a Maternal health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative at NIH. In collaboration with other professional organizations, we are confident that our voice will be heard to advance these policy actions.
Each year at the ACHNE Annual Institute, we present a plenary session for the purpose of advancing our knowledge and comprehension as related to the practice and science of policy, to result in improved health outcomes through comprehensive patient-centered care. This year, we will apply the keynote address of Representative Lauren Underwood in an integrative, interactive session to Lite Your Fire.
In continued efforts to meet the new Essentials and Competencies (AACN) in a robust fashion, we will be introducing a Policy Toolkit on the website by August 2022. Additionally, we will contribute to the personal and professional leadership domain by improving the understanding and foundational elements of how to contribute to Nurses on Boards.
The ACHNE Policy Committee website holds an abundance of information on the significant topics of policy in the health care professions. Visit our website often to stay up to date on important policy topics. We meet monthly via Zoom and welcome anyone who has an interest in this field. If you are interested in joining the ACHNE Policy Committee, please e-mail Sue Harrington at harrinsu@gvsu.edu or Heide Cygan at heide_cygan@rush.edu.
ACHNE Policy Co-Chairs:
Sue Harrington, PhD, RN
Heide Cygan, DNP, RN, PHNA-BC