Public policy has a major impact on your practice and your patients

Public policy has a major impact on your practice and your patients. Advocacy is an expectation of the advanced practice nurse. Elected officials care about
what their constituents have to say. To make a difference, you need to be informed and engaged. Contacting your legislator and discussing issues is an
important attribute of nurse leaders. In your interactions with lawmakers you want to be positive and nonpartisan, personal, persistent, patient, focused on
your message, and provide accurate information.
Directions
Determine the issue or message (e.g., telehealth impact on your practice) you wish to discuss with your legislator(s). Resource: The American Nurses
Association Federal Legislative Priorities for 2019.
Identify your legislators and contact information from his or her website and/or search here.
Choose one method of Advocacy: Face-to-Face or Letter/ Email.
Face-to-Face: The student may have to meet with the legislator’s assistant (especially if federal legislator) which is acceptable. Making an appointment mig…