Our members engage in the work of the Association by
volunteering to run for elective office on one of our
commissions. Historically our commissions are the engine for the
work that we do. NHNA Commissions are organized by our bylaws
and cover these primary areas of focus:
The Commission on Government Affairs
is probably our most visible work group, focusing on
legislative and regulatory affairs related to healthcare and
the practice of nursing. Each year the commission hosts the
following key events:
A Bill Review day that marks the opening to each
session of the New Hampshire legislature, where healthcare
bills are culled from the many hundreds of bills submitted
for consideration by our elected officials. Typically there
are about a dozen bills that could have a substantial impact
on nurses and healthcare and this commission works to
influence the public policy debate.
Healthcare Policy Day is an educational event where
nurses and students can learn about the legislative process
and what is involved in affecting the nature of the debate
in the legislature. Each Policy day includes a mock hearing
where the attendees play the role of legislators debating a
healthcare bill presented and lobbied before them.
The
Commission on Continuing Education performs much
of their work behind the scenes. However, it is the single group
whose work is most likely to touch the professional lives of
every nurse. This Commission serves as the ANCC Accredited
Approver Unit for Continuing Nursing Education in New Hampshire.
Most likely every nurse in New Hampshire has been to a
continuing education program that has been reviewed for quality
and accredited by this group.
The Commission on Professional Affairs focuses on
the non-legislative healthcare policy that affects the daily
lives of New Hampshire's nurses. This work might include
Workplace Safety, Occupational Health, Workplace Advocacy,
Health Insurance issues, the Nursing Shortage, or overtime
hours. Most, if not all of NHNA's position statements are
developed by this group before being presented to the Board of
Directors for adoption.
The Commission on Organizational Affairs
focuses on building the strength and effectiveness of the
organization. Within the scope of this commission's work is the
Herculean task of marshaling the resources that make it possible
for the other commissions to do their work. This commission is
responsible for membership and projects such as this website.
