Pennsylvania Nurse, Front Page 2017 Issue 3 | Page 5

Happenings on the Hill
If you don’t have a
seat at the table, you’re
probably on the menu .
This quote is a valuable lesson that I have learned in my fi ve months as
PSNA Government Relations Specialist. Therefore, I am pleased to report
that on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, Representative Donna Oberlander
reintroduced PSNA’s Chief Nursing Offi cer of the Commonwealth legislation.
As you know, registered nurses (RNs) are the largest number of healthcare providers in both Pennsylvania and the
nation. However, underrepresentation of RNs at state-level health policy tables, committees, commissions, and
boards leaves the profession without a voice. Chief Nursing Offi cer of the Commonwealth ensures that RNs will
take their seat at the table.
In early December, I traveled to Philadelphia
to meet with PSNA Vice President Tarik Khan.
During our conversation, we discussed the value
and strengths of PSNA’s legislative priorities,
including CNO. Tarik stated:
The CNO bill ensures that RNs bring
our caring, expert voices to the
highest level of state government.
You obviously wouldn’t have surgery
without a nurse present in the operat-
ing room. Similarly, you don’t want
critical health policy decisions
being made in Harrisburg without the
input from educated nurse experts.
This bill number is now HB 1950. If you have
been following our legislation, you will recognize
that it is the same bill as HB 389 from session
2015-16. The bill is currently in the House
Health Committee.
Watch for PSNA Calls to Action when the bill
is being voted on in committee. At that time,
we will encourage you to contact your local
lawmakers through our easy-to-use Advocacy
digital tool.
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Issue 3 2017 Pennsylvania Nurse 3