Legislative and Political Action

Taking An Organizational Position

Professional nursing organizations (American Nurses Association and the Iowa Nurses Association) identify issues of concern to nursing and health care and bring them to the attention of the public, and take a leadership role in calling for the development of policies that can improve the health of the communities and ensure the provision of quality nursing care. This "collective action" is more powerful than individual action.

The Iowa Nurses Association has an agenda setting process; the adoption of resolutions as gathered, drafted and recommended to the Iowa Nurses Association Annual Meeting of the Membership for passage. The INA Resolutions Committee is charged with reviewing the resolutions passed five and ten years ago; archiving or revising the resolution or keeping it active. New proposals are accepted and considered. Iowa delegates to the American Nurses Association House of Delegates bring back to the state issues debated at the national level. Members identify state issues that are of more local interest. In addition to the Resolution Committee review, the INA Public Policy Committee discusses at the conclusion of the legislative session all unresolved issues for which INA does not have a position statement. The committee may submit to the Resolution Committee, a resolution to further clarify the organization's position on an issue that was debated during the legislative session and bring it for consideration during the state convention held in October.

After the State Convention Annual Meeting of the Membership deliberation and debate of the resolutions, the Public Policy Committee determines which issues are actions that can be taken in Iowa state government. The committee proposes an agenda is proposed to the INA Board of Directors for final approval at their November Board meeting.

Once the Board approves the legislative and policy agenda, the INA staff develops a brochure for wide distribution to educate the public and policymakers of the issues of importance to nursing. Meetings are held with the Governor and Legislative Leadership to identify those issues of highest priority to nursing and communication with other affected organizations is made.

Activities to Understand the Public Policy Process