What does the Tennessee Nurses Association do for its members and the nursing profession in terms of legislation and advocacy?

• As your professional organization, TNA monitors all legislation and reports to our members the status and implications of legislation as well as, who is supportive of our positions or not as they relate to the practice of nursing and the health needs of Tennesseans.
• Our Executive Director works with our GOVA committee and lobbyist to form positions on legislation to determine what actions to take. If you would like more information about the GOVA committee or if you are interested in serving on the GOVA committee, fill out the interest form HERE. 
• TNA works for or against legislation and policies that would affect the nursing profession and health care in Tennessee. 
• Sometimes TNA might be drafting legislation or amendments or simply educating policymakers on the impact of the legislation or policy being proposed.
• TNA's job is also to educate our members on the legislative process and how they can best influence policy and law-making.
• TNA ensures members are contacting legislators in the most effective ways possible. It’s important to communicate in ways that stand out and are not easy to ignore.
• You can read about our many Government Affairs Programs on our Advocacy Programs and Toolbox page that include: Nurses Day on the Hill; Access to Care Coalition; TN Nurses PAC; Legislative Nurse of the Day; and Local Governments Celebrations.

Nurses have more political influence than they take credit for!
TNA works to ensure that nurses’ voices are heard and respected by legislators and policymakers.  

Remember, that influencing the legislature does not start and stop at the Capitol steps. It is something we, as nurses, must do year-round to continue to build a successful legislative and political program that moves the nursing profession forward.  Nurses are experts regarding the nursing profession and are advocates for quality health care delivery. Nurses need to ensure their representatives know them and identify them as a go-to source for information regarding legislation and policy. 

Make sure to get more information about our annual advocacy event, Nurses Day on the Hill, and how to get involved in the GOVA Committee and TN Nurses PAC to really make a difference for your profession.