State Councils

What is a State Council?
State councils are formed to focus on legislative issues pertinent to nurses. They provide a mechanism whereby nurses may gather for discussion, advice, and consultation regarding issues in their respective states. State council members are composed of various local AORN chapters and individual members. State councils provide avenues for increased communication between chapters within the state via email, web pages, webinars, and newsletters.

What are the benefits of a State Council?

Increases ability to support nursing legislation at the state level.
Provides opportunities to educate state legislators, as well as the public.
Serves as a liaison in developing an alliance within the state, including supporting and promoting the role of the perioperative nurse within:
- nursing organizations;
- schools of nursing;
- state hospital associations;
- nursing special interest groups;
- board of nurse examiners;
- medical associations; and
- other professional organizations.
Provides educational opportunities at the state level.
Increases information to rural communities in a more timely manner.
Shares state legislative information to local chapters regarding perioperative issues.
Encourages endorsement of patient safety issues at the state and local level.
Promotes and helps to coordinate increased sharing among local chapters.
Provides another avenue to gain leadership experience.

How do we form a State Council?
Any state can form a state council. Contact the AORN Chapter Relations Coordinator if you have any questions. A state council can also choose to be an Affiliated State Council within the formal AORN structure. Each Affiliate State Council must follow the mission and core values of AORN. An Affiliate Agreement is available under "Supporting Doucments" (lower left corner). If interested, simply sign the agreement, fill out the information, and send it to Deb Warren at AORN, 2170 South Parker Rd, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80231 or call 800-755-2676, Ext. 222 if you have questions.

Suggested Steps for Forming a State Council

As a new state council, appoint officers until such time as you designate official elections. Officers should consist of at least a chair, co-chair or vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.
Secure an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS. This is necessary in order to be a 501(c)6 organization.
Set up a bank account. This typically requires you to have an EIN number. It is best to have two signatures on the account ( eg, chair and treasurer).
Write your bylaws and have them reviewed and approved by the membership. These must be signed and dated when approved.
Application for Federal IRS 1024 requires a fee. File for 501c(6) because councils plan to not only educate, but monitor and eventually introduce legislation that may require lobbying. Use forms 8714 and 1024. You have a year from formation to file this process. Important to note is that it may take awhile to accumulate money. Remember that state councils are independent of AORN. They are only recognized by the AORN Board through the formal Affiliate Agreement process. Therefore, no mention of AORN is made on these forms.
The 1024 form asks for a three year projection of your assets and expenditures. Base that on your projected membership dues and costs.

What roles do the Affiliated State Councils play in AORN governance?
Currently, Affiliated State Councils are composed of registered professional nurses or an individual who is not a registered nurse, who provides or provided direct or indirect perioperative services, and who supports the mission of AORN (AORN Bylaws Article IX, section 4). The focus of state council leadership is to increase the number of state councils so that all states will have the benefit of increased member communication that enables them to participate at many levels appropriate to their local and regional health care environment.

For additional information, contact the AORN Chapter Relations Coordinator at 800-755-2676, Ext. 222.