BIENNIAL REPORTS
• Commissioned Jan Ellis, PhD, RN to update the WSNA white paper on nursing education in Washington State • Commissioned David Keepnews, PhD, RN to update the WSNA white paper on the Economic Value of Nursing • WSNA CEARP received renewed status in 2011 as accredited approver by ANCC; also WSNA CNEPP received renewal in August, 2012 as an Approved Provider of CNE from Ohio Nurses Association • Continued active engagement with CNEWS (Council of Nurse Educators for Washington State) DISASTER & EMERGENCY P R E PA R E D N E S S
Increase the preparedness of nurses for providing nursing care during periods of disaster / other emergencies Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Committee continued work as a subcommittee of PNHCC (refer to their individual report)
VO I C E I N R E G U L AT I O N Assure WSNA presence in the development of regulatory requirements for the practice of nursing within Washington State • Continued participation in NCQAC Consistent Standards of Practice Subcommittee reviewing NCQAC interpretive statements in such areas as patient abandonment, seizure management in schools, Registered Nurse First Assist • As aforementioned, continued to participate in DOH / NCQAC rules writing concerning recognition of CNSs as ARNPs, retired nurse category, etc. • Strengthened engagement with ARNPs United and the NCQAC ARNP Subcommittee to address issues in advanced practice • Completed revision of booklet Your Nurse Practice Act and the Disciplinary Process; distributed during all Culture of Safety CNE events and at other venues, posted on web site • Expand networking with various nursing specialty organizations including potential development of more formal “affiliation agreement” with WSNA • Ongoing recruitment to support CEARP and CEPP programs • Continue monitoring rest and meal break practices and staffing issues • Develop improved environmental scanning methods to ensure PNHCC stays on the forefront of issues that nurses face in the practice arena • Continue expansion and functionality enhancements to WSNA’s on-line continuing education program • Continue to identify additional strategies to better enhance and strengthen WSNA image particularly among non-collective bargaining audiences • Continue to participate in discussions regarding multi-state licensure
Legislative & Health Policy Council
L E G I S L AT I V E & H E A LT H POLICY COUNCIL Chair: Ed Dolle, Port Orchard; Members: Patty Hayes, Tumwater; Joni L. Hensley, Everson; Angela M. Mathis, Seattle, Elizabeth Caley Stewart, Vancouver; Lynnette K. Vehrs, Spokane; Dawn Morrell, Puyallup, Julia Weinberg, WSNA President, Ex-Officio
ISSUES & PRIORITIES • Nursing shortage • Target funding for nursing education programs • Access to care & health care reform implementation • Funding for health safety net programs • Economic value of nurses • Patient safety and quality improvement in health care • Fatigue • Health and safety • Safe staffing • Collective bargaining & free speech rights GOALS • Pass legislation on minimum nursing staffing standard, uninterrupted breaks and close loophole on mandatory overtime law. • Protect public health funding • Funding for nursing education • Protect funding for key health safety net programs • Protect nursing practice to ensure patient safety
The WSNA Legislative and Health Policy Council recommended a Legislative and Regulatory Platform and Agenda to the WSNA Board of Directors in 2011 and 2012. The Platform and Agenda can be found on the WSNA website at www.wsna.org.
The Washington Nurse
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