State Councils

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

What are the benefits of a State Council?

Increases ability to support nursing legislation at the state level.
Provides opportunities to education the 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 Specialty Interest Groups
Board of Nurse Examiners
Medical Associations
Other Professional Organizations

Provides affordable educational opportunities at a 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. The State Council leadership group has developed a Mentorship Program to help guide and assist states through the formation process. Contact the AORN Chapter Relations Coordinator about State Council Formation Resource books that are available from AORN and include samples of the following:

Missions
Goals
Bylaws
Meeting agendas
Legislative tips

Suggested Steps for Forming a State Council

As a new organization, appoint officers until such time as you designate official elections. Officers should consist of at least: Chair, (Co-chair) or Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Fill out the SS4 form to secure an Employer ID number (EIN). This is necessary in order to be a 501(c)6 organization.
Set up a bank account. This typically requires you to have an employee ID number. If possible, have two signatures on the account ( ie, co-chair and treasurer).
Write your bylaws and have them reviewed and approved by the membership. These must be signed and dated when approved by two officers.
Application for Federal IRS 1024 requires a fee. File for 501 c(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 an Affiliate application 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 State Councils play in AORN governance?
Currently, State Councils composed of registered nurses may be recognized as AORN affiliates by the Board of Directors (AORN Bylaws Article VIII, section 4). The focus of the State Council leadership group is to increase the number of State Councils so that all states will have the benefit of increased member communication that will enable them to participate at many levels appropriate to their local and regional environment.

For additional information, or to be assigned a State Council Formation Mentor, contact the AORN Chapter Relations Coordinator at 800-755-2676, Ext. 222.