Co-Chairs: Terri Patterson & Sharon Murphy Potts
Focus of Committee:
Objectives for Year One 2009-2010: Education of Chapter regarding Government Relations
- Review the issues that have been identified by ARN National
- Familiarize the chapter with the tool kit (on National Website).
- At Chapter Meetings, discuss government relations- create communication tools including handouts –Review relevant information from most recent Health policy agenda; review voter voice handout
B. Objective for Year Two 2010-2011: Implement/utilize tool kit and expand circle of supporters for agenda
- Consider Town Hall for September program
- Expand awareness for chapter members related to ARN agenda (specifically program locally to support the issues)
- Spring 2011 Capitol Hill Day (Harrisburg or Washington)
Review of National’s Objectives and process
- Nursing Workforce Development
- NIDRR
- TBI Act- now it needs funding- position statement for fiscal yr. 2010
- ACA- Prosthetics Parity Act-position statement
- Address the monthly Health Policy Digest
- ARN website provides education
- Have created “issue briefs” for each of the topics
Activities in last two years:
In the fall of 2011 at the Villanova Conference Center in Villanova, the Government Relations Committee sponsored its third Government relations meeting. The schedule for afternoon included lunch and review of the ARN national agenda, how rehab nurses can be involved, the Nurse in Washington program and review of the Pennsylvania political health care agenda. The Keynote speaker was Jeremy Scott Esq. Government Relations Director, Drinker, Biddle and Reath. Plans are being made to go to Washington DC for the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Awareness Day on March 21, 2012 (Tentative) in the House Rayburn Office Building.
The Government relations committee continues to advance their objectives. On October 14, 2010, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter hosted “Sunset on the Schuylkill with your PA Senate and Governor Candidates”. Two representatives from Tom Corbett’s (now governor elect) office came and spoke about health policy and nursing practice in Pennsylvania. A representative for Joe Sestak also attended. Candidates from Pat Toomey’s office and Dan Onorato’s office were invited but were unable to attend. The meet and greet with the candidates allowed for meaningful dialog to be shared.
As of 2010, four nurses from this Chapter, Helen Carmine, Jody Masterson, Terri Patterson and Sharon Murphy Potts have completed the Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI) course. Helen Carmine has been invited to serve on the Health Policy Committee for the 2011 term. Sharon Murphy Potts is a member of the Capitol Hill Gang. Terri Patterson is on the National Government Relations Committee as well as a member of the Capitol Hill Gang.
Anticipated activities being discussed in committee meetings:
An update of Objectives for 2012
Possible trip to Harrisburg
Possible trip to Washington DC for Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Awareness Day on March 21,2012 (Tentative date)
When does the Committee meet?
Ad Hoc
If interested in participating in the committee, please contact: smurphypotts@remed.com or TPatterson@nursingconsultation. com