ONA Legislative Issues 2005 School Nurse Institute Jane Nelson, CAE Executive Director Oklahoma Nurses Association

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Future Steps  Superintendent Garrett  Education Groups OEA OFT/AFT CCOSA OSSBA  American Diabetic Association

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.

Jane Nelson, CAE Executive Director 6414 North Santa Fe, Suite A Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Web-site: Phone: or Fax: