Practice Tip of the Week | Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition

By Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC 

A little less than a year away from the Texas Legislature reconvening for its 2027 session, the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition (NLAC) is already hard at work preparing nursing’s priorities for the future. In early May, nurses from across Texas gathered in Austin for the coalition’s Spring Meeting, an important opportunity for member organizations to bring forward legislative ideas well in advance of the next session. These discussions allow nursing leaders to identify emerging issues, share perspectives from their organizations, and build awareness around topics that may ultimately become part of the profession’s unified legislative agenda. 

NLAC is a coalition of nursing organizations from across Texas that work together to share ideas, strategies, and priorities related to nursing and healthcare policy. During each legislative session, NLAC advocates for a unified nursing legislative agenda that is developed and agreed upon by coalition members during the interim period between legislative sessions. This collaborative approach strengthens nursing’s influence at the Capitol by representing tens of thousands of nurses across the state and amplifying our collective voice on issues that no single organization could advance as effectively on its own. Through collaboration and consensus-building, NLAC ensures that nursing remains a respected and influential stakeholder in shaping healthcare policy in Texas. 

NLAC meets twice during each legislative interim. The first meeting, held in late spring or early summer, focuses on laying the groundwork for the next Nursing Legislative Agenda. The second meeting, held in the fall, is dedicated to finalizing legislative priorities and discussing nursing’s advocacy strategy for the upcoming legislative session. These meetings provide valuable opportunities for nursing organizations to exchange information, identify common goals, and coordinate efforts before lawmakers return to Austin. 

Organizations participating in NLAC include: 

• Association of PeriOperative RNs, Greater Houston
• Association of Operating Room Nurses North Harris Montgomery County
• Consortium of Texas Certified Nurse Midwives
• Houston Chapter of Oncology Nursing Society
• Houston Texas Association of Occupation Health Nurses
• Houston Organization for Nursing Leadership
• Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Austin
• Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Texas
• Texas Association of Deans & Directors of Professional Nursing Programs
• Texas DNPs
• Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice
• Texas Association of Vocational Nurse Educators
• Texas Collaboration of periOperative Nurses
• Texas Nurses Association
• Texas Nurse Practitioners
• Texas Nursing Students Association
• Texas Organization for Associate Degree Nursing
• Organization of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Education
• Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership
• Texas School Nurses Organization
• Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists
• Texas Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Texas Emergency Nurses Association

During the May convening, coalition members discussed a variety of timely topics, including the results of a recent vaccine survey, election outcomes and their implications for healthcare policy, changes in federal policies affecting nurses, and preparations for the coalition’s fall meeting scheduled for November. One of the most significant discussions centered on findings from a vaccine survey conducted by Rational 360. The survey sought to better understand prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions regarding vaccines among Republican voters in Texas and to assess how the recent Texas measles outbreak may be influencing those views. 

Key findings revealed a strong pro-vaccine consensus among Texas Republicans, widespread support for lawmakers taking steps to prevent future outbreaks, and a high level of trust in medical expertise when compared to political authority on matters related to public health. These findings provide important context for future legislative discussions and highlight opportunities for nurses to serve as trusted voices in public health education and advocacy. The results also reinforced the importance of the Texas Nurses Association’s Vaccine Task Force and ongoing policy work as the profession prepares for the next legislative session. 

Elections continue to play an integral role in shaping how NLAC approaches legislative advocacy. While several runoff elections took place in May, attention is already turning toward the general election in November. Policymakers elected this year will help shape the environment in which nursing priorities are considered during the 2027 legislative session. For that reason, civic engagement remains critically important. All TNA members are encouraged to ensure they are registered to vote and prepared to participate in upcoming elections. To learn more about voter registration requirements and eligibility criteria, visit https://www.votetexas.gov/ for more information. 

At the federal level, nurses across the country have become increasingly aware of ongoing congressional discussions regarding professional degree designations and the potential implications for the nursing profession. In response, the American Nurses Association is actively engaging with lawmakers and key stakeholders to address concerns raised by nurses and nursing organizations nationwide. The status of these discussions continues to evolve, and ANA is closely monitoring developments while advocating on behalf of the profession. Nurses are encouraged to stay informed, review available resources, and participate in advocacy efforts by sharing their perspectives and responding to requests for feedback. The status of the professional degrees dialogue is actively being reviewed, and nurses can learn more and take action by submitting a response.  

As preparations for the 2027 legislative session continue, the work of NLAC demonstrates the power of collaboration among nursing organizations. By engaging early, building consensus, and maintaining a strong presence in policy discussions, Texas nurses are helping shape a legislative agenda that advances the profession, strengthens healthcare systems, and improves the health of Texans across the state. If you would like to learn more about how your organization can join the coalition email us at tna@texasnurses.org. 

REFERENCES

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Health policy. ANA. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/health-policy/ 

Chiu, P., Villeneuve, M. J., Cummings, G. G., & Benton, D. C. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 22(4), 271–293. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211051062  

Han, N. K., Kim, S., & Park, H. (2024). The barriers and facilitators influencing nurses’ political participation and healthcare policy engagement: An integrative review. Healthcare, 13(5), 533. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050533