Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs (GA) Committee serves as a bridge between nursing professionals and legislative developments at both the state and federal levels. Our goal is to keep our members informed and engaged in policy decisions that impact the nursing profession and patient care.  

Our mission is to advocate for policies that protect and support nurses, promote patient safety, and improve healthcare systems. Through education, legislative engagement, and collaboration with other nursing and healthcare organizations, we strive to amplify the voice of nursing in public policy.  

1. Opiate Issues: Supporting policies that address the opioid crisis and improve pain management strategies. 
2. Mental Health Care: Advocating for increased access to mental health resources for both patients and healthcare professionals. 
3. Workplace Violence: Promoting legislation that enhances safety measures and protections for nurses in their work environments. 
4. Rural Healthcare: Monitoring and advocating for rural access to safe healthcare, i.e. critical access centers 

• Legislative Updates: Each meeting includes briefings on federal and state legislative activity, including newly introduced and passed bills. 
• Engagement with Nursing Organizations: We stay connected with key nursing associations, including ACEP, ANA, and the Colorado Nurses Association, to align advocacy efforts. 
• Legislative Outreach: GA committee members are encouraged to identify and engage with their state legislators, making appointments for DOTH and staying informed through their legislators’ websites and emails. 
• Legislative Events: 

Through our advocacy efforts, we help shape policies that support nurses and enhance healthcare delivery. By attending legislative events, fostering direct communication with lawmakers, and staying informed on key issues, we empower nurses to be active participants in the policymaking process. Our ongoing efforts contribute to stronger workplace protections, better patient care policies, and a more informed nursing community.  

Focus Areas

• Workplace Violence
• ED Boarding
• Nurse Education and Training

 The Colorado 2026 congress began on 1/14/26 and bills are still being introduced.   We are currently monitoring:

• HB26-1044 Improve Black Maternal Health (impacts our new rural access goal for 2026)
• HB26-1063 Behavioral Health Disorder
• SB26-006 Parity for Non-opioid Drugs
• SB26-008 Mental Health Access

All these bills sound like they will have many revisions and we may or may not end up supporting them.

Federal

www.Congress.gov

www.govetrack.us

www.usa.gov/elected-officials

State

www.leg.colorado.gov

www.leg.state.co.us/public/display.nsf/index.html 

• Includes links to listen to floor and committee discussions

www.coloradochannel.net

• Use the link to check the schedule/agenda on the house floor.  
• They start on the floor at 0900.  
• You can watch and hear the debates in the House