Functions of the ACHNE Policy Committee

Purpose

To assess, educate and make action recommendations to ACHNE Board of Directors and membership on public health and/or nursing educational policy and secondarily (dependent on current state and resources) on general public health policy.

Membership

The committee chairperson serves a two-year term. There are 5 members who also serve two-year terms. Chair and committee members should have an interest and experience in policy work. The committee should also include Research Committee representation.

Functions

• Promote the advancement of timely public health issues and priorities, particularly as they relate to the educational needs of nursing students
• Represent ACHNE on Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) and make recommendations to ACHNE BOD
• Communicate with key partners (Quad Council members AHNE, APHN, PHN section of APHA) to discuss policy issues and collaborate on recommendations and/or action plans
• Write or solicit policy positions on behalf of ACHNE- write briefs, work with partner organizations (APHN, PHN section APHA, AACN, NACNEP, etc.)
• Sponsor policy session at Annual Institute
• Develop annual policy focus/legislative priorities for ACHNE and recommend to Board of Directors
• Lobbying/advocacy for policy positions in collaboration with APHA - for example, if APHA supports, ACHNE could support and encourage member advocacy
• Develop or use advocacy tool kit; advocacy based on geographic or location
• Develop/review and recommend resources for teaching health policy to students
• Initiate a social media platform to enhance the speed and effectiveness of information distribution.