For the Profession

The State Capitol in Austin may seem a world away from the stresses of a nurse's day-to-day practice.  TNA knows otherwise and spends significant time at the State Capitol advocating for its members, the nursing profession, and consumers of health care to assure a quality practice environment for nurses and quality nursing care for Texans.  

Texas Nurses Association's governmental affairs program is based on a belief that nursing provides a unique and significant perspective when health policy decisions are made.  Sharing that perspective in legislative and regulatory arenas has over the years created positive change for Texas nurses and for their patients.  Experience has proven that if nursing fails to be involved, the important decisions for nursing and health care will be made without nursing's input.

TNA's governmental affairs program is overseen by its Governmental Affairs Committee.  The committee is representative of TNA's five geographical regions and its four largest local districts.  The committee reports to the TNA Board of Directors.

Texas Nurses 'n Action Center.   The Texas Nurses 'n Action Center provides nurses with the latest information and action alerts on key nursing and health policy issues.   The Center makes it easy for nurses not only to stay informed, but also to join their nursing colleagues in making nursing's voice heard.  Legislators and other policymakers can be contacted directly from the Center so nurses can make a difference in just five minutes.  That's all it takes to learn the issues and communicate with policymakers.   

Nursing Legislative Agenda and Coalition.   Prior to each legislative session, TNA hosts a series of meetings with other nursing organizations to identify significant nursing and health care related issues that the Texas Legislature needs to address. These organizations make up the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition (NLAC).  Once NLAC has identified the legislative issues on which nursing should focus, it works to achieve a consensus of opinion on what the coalition's position will be on each issue.   The result of this process is the Nursing Legislative Agenda, and during the session, coalition members endorse and work to enact the agenda.  NLAC also serves as a body to build a unified nursing position on other legislation important to nurses and their patients. 

Texas RN/APN PAC.  RN/APN PAC is the officially-sponsored political action committee (PAC) of TNA.  It is also the officially-sponsored PAC of the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA) and the Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice (CNAP).   Acting through an advisory committee of representatives of the sponsoring organizations, RN/APN PAC identifies candidates deserving of nurses' endorsement and financial support in races for the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives and selected statewide races including the governor and lieutenant governor races. 

History of Texas Nursing Practice Act and Nursing Legislation.  In 1909, members of TNA (then the Graduate Nurses Association) initiated the legislation creating the first licensing act for Texas nurses.  That act was only the first step, and since 1909, TNA has diligently worked to make the Nursing Practice Act (NPA) a strong practice act for Texas nurses.  This history highlights the most significant amendments made to the NPA as well as other legislation of particular significance to nursing practice. 

Laws Protecting Nurses Advocating for Patients (Whistleblower Protections).   TNA believes patients are best served when nurses can be patient advocates without fear of retaliation.  Advocating for the profession includes supporting a regulatory environment that protects nurses when advocating for their patients.  TNA has advocated legislatively for over 20 years to make this a reality for Texas nurses.   

Websites of Special Interest 
The following websites are good sites for legislative and regulatory issues for nurses.

ANA Governmental Affairs Program:  The American Nurse's Association (ANA) governmental affairs program provides timely information about key nursing issues at the federal level and on legislation before Congress. Texas Legislature Online:   The official website of the Texas Legislature.  It provides information about both current and past legislation and links to other Texas government sites with legislative and regulatory information. Texas Board of Nursing:  This site includes both proposed and recently adopted regulations governing nursing practice.  THOMAS: Website of the Library of Congress and a portal site for federal legislation. Texas Secretary of State Elections Division:  Provides current information about Texas elections. Find Your Legislator:  Find the name and contact information for your legislator or congressperson by entering your address and  zip code.