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. 

• 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: 

CNA Nurses Day at the Capitol (February 2025): An all-day program at the Colorado Capitol, open to members and non-members, with registration covered for GA committee members.

American Heart Association Day at the Capitol - Red Dress Day (March 2025): A free event focused on lobbying for AEDs in schools. 

Colorado ENA GA Day at the Capitol (May 2025): A follow-up event where committee members will meet with legislators after ENA’s Day on the Hill (DOTH). 

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.  

H.R.3178/S.1600 "Save Healthcare Workers Act"

H.R.929/S. 266 "Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Reauthorization Act"

H.R. 2531/S.1232 Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act.  Introduced to the 119th Congress 4/1/25.  This is legislation ENA has been advocating for several years to support a safe workplace for emergency nurses.  It would require OSHA to establish safety standards, organizations to have prevention measures, staff training, and have tracking and reporting process'.

HB24-1066 “Colorado Prevention of Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings” 

Colorado passed SB25-166 Health-Care Workplace Violence Incentive Payments.  This establishes tracking and incentive for low work place violence incidents in Hospitals.  The Governor signed the bill on 5/5/25. 

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