Do You Know Who Your Legislators Are?

Most 2018 legislative sessions are underway or are scheduled to start soon.  You may have new legislators this year, or you may have the same legislators as last year representing you at your state legislature. Either way, now is a great time to introduce yourself.

There will be many health care policy discussions at the Capitol, and your legislators will be looking for experts in this field.  As a perioperative nurse, you have a unique perspective because your primary focus is on patient safety.

Take a few minutes to send a personalized a letter to your legislators. Introduce yourself and offer them your knowledge as a perioperative expert.

You will be able to reference your introduction email when you visit your legislators’ offices or when you contact them later this year about a specific piece of legislation. Showing that you are an engaged citizen who is interested in offering your expertise and one who responds to health care policy will go a long way in your conversations with staff and the legislator.

Stay current on what is happening in your state by visiting your state’s government affairs page, reading Periop Insider, visiting AORN Government Affairs’ Facebook page, and reviewing health policy news. AORN members are also encouraged to join the National Legislative Forum, which hosts a monthly legislative update call. For more information on joining the NLF, please contact Danielle Glover, AORN Government Affairs Manager.