Biennial reports

Arizona Nurse,  Sep 2001  by Wood, Debby,  Griffith, Mary,  Cisar, Nancy,  Miller, Barbara,  Et al

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The CE committees ensure that quality continuing education programs are available for nurses in Arizona. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accredits the program. AzNA applied for renewal of accreditation as an approver and as a provider in 2000. Accreditation was granted for both programs through February 2007. Based upon feedback from ANCC, the CE Steering Committee revised the application packets for approver and provider and they became effective in April 2001.

The CE Approval Panels continue to meet twice a month to review CE applications. Approximately 200 programs are approved each year. Sherry Dickinson replaced Marla Weston as the Approver Panel Coordinator in January 2001. Through AzNA, there are ten active providers which are organizations that meet the criteria for approving their own CE activities.

The CE Audit Panel conducted audits on a quarterly basis. Randomly selected CE activities have been audited and reflect that CE Approval Panel members accurately review CE activities.

Submitted by Debby Wood for Deanne Lewis, chair

The AzNA PAC is organized for the purpose of advancing nursing and health care in the state of Arizona. In carrying out this stated purpose, AzNA PAC shall:

Stimulate nurses and others to become active and effective in governmental affairs and public policy decisions;

Assist nurses and others in organizing for effective political action;

Educate candidates about professional nursing and general health care issues;

Endorse, raise funds for, and make contributions to candidates for public office in Arizona who have clearly demonstrated responsible awareness of nurses needs and the health of the people;

Educate nurses and others regarding the elective process, the legislative positions of office holders and candidates, and the important political issues related to nurses, nursing and health.

In carrying out this mission, the AzNA PAC Board of Trustees completed a great deal of work during this biennium. We began the biennium with 10 members but there were 4 resignations in 8 months for personal reasons. Only one new member was appointed, leaving us with a total of 7 of a possible 11 members.

The PAC also serves as the state arm of the ANA PAC efforts, known as NSTAT. Each Board member serves as a liaison to several state legislative districts and is responsible for responding to legislative alerts from the national office. There are also links to the congressional districts through NSTAT.

During even numbered years the Board develops and distributes a questionnaire survey for use with candidates seeking state legislative offices. In 2000, 151 questionnaires were distributed to non-incumbents prior to the primary elections. Of those, 89 were returned and 51 interviews were scheduled with candidates that appeared to have an understanding of, or interest in, nursing issues. In the primary elections, 31 candidates were endorsed, and 81 % were successful in their primary races. Six candidates received financial support as they moved into their general election races.

In the general elections, we reviewed the incumbent voting records and considered recommendations of our lobbyist, along with additional interviews of selected incumbents. Of the candidates for the general elections, 56 were endorsed (five received financial support) and 89% were elected to their positions. Endorsements were distributed to all members of AzNA, as well as publication in The Arizona Nurse and Capitol Times.

During the odd-numbered years the primary responsibilities for the PAC are fundraising to support candidates and provide education on political issues. We participated in both Legislative Day events held in Phoenix, and raised $1100 for the PAC. A new event, a silent auction with more than 40 patriotic-themed items, is planned for the PAC luncheon at this convention.

The PAC held 7 conference calls and 3 face-to-face meetings, including the general business meeting at this convention in which the new PAC Board of Trustees will be elected for the coming biennium. An article on the PAC was published January 2001 in The Arizona Nurse. The PAC has also developed an award to be presented biennially to a legislator who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the health of the people of Arizona. The first recipient will be named at the PAC luncheon at this convention.

The PAC developed and maintains an exclusive email distribution list as a benefit for about 75 regular PAC contributors. More than 30 articles and email links to issues such as health care and nursing bills on Capitol Hill, mandatory overtime, the nursing shortage and nursing politics have been shared through this means.

Our goals for the coming biennium include increasing awareness of the PAC and the need for nurses to be involved with political activism; increasing contributions to the PAC; expanding educational efforts on political activity throughout the state. We welcome members to assist with candidate interviews, campaign activities and voter registration drives.