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Legislative and Health Policy Council

The Legislative and Health Policy Council sets the annual health policy and legislative agenda for WSNA and plays an active role in reviewing and advancing WSNA’s legislative priorities. Council members represent the membership by serving in a politically non-partisan capacity. The Council meets at least three times a year, including during WSNA's Advocacy Camp and Lobby Day. Council members also make weekly phone calls to review proposed legislation during the state legislative session.

Functions of the Council

  • Recommend a biennial state legislative agenda in the first year of each legislative biennium and an adjusted annual state legislative agenda in the second year of the legislative biennium to the Board of Directors.
  • Review proposed legislation and make decisions on WSNA’s stance and actions based on recommendations from the staff, contract lobbyists and members.
  • Educate and support nurses and nursing students in advocating for WSNA’s state legislative priorities.
  • Share and discuss health policy issues and WSNA’s legislative priorities with lawmakers, WSNA members, partner organizations and the public.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the legislative program, and review goals on an ongoing basis.

    Members of the Council (2021-2023)

    Erin Allison, BSN, RN, CEN
    Chair
    Erin Allison, BSN, RN, CEN
    Bellingham
    Ingrid Anderson, BSN, RN
    Member, At-Large
    Ingrid Anderson, BSN, RN
    Snoqualmie
    Stephanie Wahlgren, BSN, RN, SANE
    Member, At-Large
    Stephanie Wahlgren, BSN, RN, SANE
    Bellingham
    Jessica Lewellen, RN
    Member, At-Large
    Jessica Lewellen, RN
    Spokane
    Katie Johnson, DNP, RN, NCSN-E, APHN-BC, FNASN, FAAN
    Member, Appointed
    Katie Johnson, DNP, RN, NCSN-E, APHN-BC, FNASN, FAAN
    Everett
    Gemma Aranda, MS, BSN, RN
    Member, Appointed
    Gemma Aranda, MS, BSN, RN
    Bellevue
    Karin Banks, BSN, RN
    Member, Appointed
    Karin Banks, BSN, RN
    Selah
    Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN
    Ex Officio, WSNA President
    Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN
    Spokane
    David Keepnews, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN
    WSNA Executive Director
    David Keepnews, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN
    Seattle
    Katharine Weiss, MPA
    WSNA Advisor, Director of Government Affairs
    Katharine Weiss, MPA