AORN held its First Forum of the AORN Congress Sunday morning. Hundreds of members attended in New Orleans with dozens also attending virtually on Zoom.

Members heard first from AORN Bylaws Committee Chair Missi Merlino about the proposed bylaws change that would allow all members with shared professional interests to form a Specialty Assembly without a requirement that the Specialty Assembly meet Accountability Standards. Merlino reminded attendees that the Specialty Assembly Accountability Standards were modified to recommendations in 2017. Members at the microphones were split on whether governance and education accountability standards imposed from headquarters are helpful to lend credibility to the SAs, or whether the rigid governance requirements hinder the ability of newer and smaller SAs to form and execute their missions. The AORN board is recommending this change in order to allow all SAs to self-govern in a manner that best suits their individual needs.

Next, members heard from AORN Membership Director Amy Kirshenbaum who highlighted:

• AORN’s mentorship program — connects new perioperative nurses with seasoned AORN members to help guide and support newer nurses in their career development
• New opportunities for AORN members to join for a monthly subscription of $15.50 with full access to all AORN member benefits
• AORN’s continued commitment to growth and diversity in its membership.

AORN members cheered for this opportunity to be back in person at such a special event. Members can access the membership presentation on the AORN congress 2022 web page.

Members then celebrated AORN’s continued advocacy successes with AORN’s Associate Director of Government Affairs, Jennifer Pennock. They cheered for Oregon, Kentucky and Illinois, which joined Colorado and Rhode Island in enacting surgical smoke evacuation legislation in the time since members were together in Nashville in 2019. Washington and Arizona currently have 2022 bills on their governors’ desks awaiting signature. See the full government affairs update.

During open discussion, members shared ideas to

• improve chapter engagement
• consider holding virtual business meetings on Saturdays to allow more members to vote in between annual meetings
• expand its technology resources for the chapters and members to continue to engage in meaningful connections.

Members will vote on the proposed bylaws amendment at the Second House of Delegates on Wednesday. Information on all the business sessions including how to participate virtually is available.