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WSNA in Olympia
2023 legislative session Advocacy toolkit Legislative & Health Policy Council

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.

Note: three additional members will be appointed to the council to serve during the 2023-2025 term.

Members of the Council (2023-2025)

Erin Allison
Chair
Erin Allison, BSN, RN, CEN
Bellingham
Ingrid Anderson
Member at-large
Ingrid Anderson, RN
Snoqualmie
Member at-large
Breanna Casas, BSN, RN
Seattle
Member at-large
Leigh Kalaman, DNP, ARNP, RN, FNP-BC
Renton
Emily Kay
Member at-large
Emily Kay, BSN, RN
Seattle
Member at-large
Cheryl Osler, Ed.D, MS, MA, RN, LMHC, CNE
Spokane
Kathleen Thompson
Member at-large
Kathleen Thompson, RN
Spokane