ONA Legislative Issues 2005 School Nurse Institute

1. ONA Legislative Issues2005 School Nurse Institute Jane Nelson, CAE Executive Director Oklahoma Nurses Association

2. ONA Focusing On Nursing • ONA is the professional association for RNs in Oklahoma. • Founded in 1908 • Devote 100% of our efforts to practice, educational, political and professional issues impacting RNs in our state.

3. ONA the Voice of Nurses • ONA is a powerful political advocate • Support and provide guidance on legislation impacting nursing, patient safety and health and welfare of the citizens of Oklahoma

4. Educate Policy Makers • ONA’s Lobbyist • Contract Lobbyist, Vickie White Rankin • Executive Director, Jane Nelson • ONA PAC—provides contributions to political candidates • Governmental Activities Committee

5. Grassroots Lobbying Nurses need to be active • Legislative Day at the Capitol • Nurse of the Day • Talking with their District Legislators • Working on Election Campaigns

6. 2005 Legislative Goals • School Nurses • Protection for Required Reporting • Funding for a Healthcare Workforce Center • Money for uninsured and Medicaid • Fit Kids—PE and Healthy Food Options in Public Schools • Medical Liability Reform

7. 2005 Legislative Outcomes • Positive discussion at the Capitol concerning School Nurses • Support from Education groups for School Nurses • Worked to ensure that the Diabetes bill included School Nurses as the educator—bill failed to be heard in the House

8. 2005 Legislative Outcomes • Fit Kids vending machine bill passed and signed by the Governor • Fit Kids physical education bill passed and signed by the Governor • $63M allocated to Medicaid to access $200M in Federal dollars

9. School Nurse Legislation • ONA committed to School Nurses • HOD Resolution • 2002 Legislation creating a Legislative Task Force • SNOO Organizational Affiliate • School Nurses sitting on GAC

10. School Nurse Legislation • Recommendations from School Nurse Task Force • Coordinated School Nurse Program • 1 School Nurse/750 Students • Health Services • Health Education • Possible Funding Mechanisms

11. Future Steps • Superintendent Garrett • Education Groups • OEA • OFT/AFT • CCOSA • OSSBA • American Diabetic Association

12. Margaret Mead Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

13. Jane Nelson, CAE Executive Director 6414 North Santa Fe, Suite A Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116 Email: ona.ed@oknurses.com Web-site: www.oknurses.com Phone: 405-840-3476 or 1-800-580-3476 Fax: 405-840-3013