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.  

S.1346 “Improving Mental Health Access from the Emergency Department” 

https://www.votervoice.net/ENA/Campaigns/105262/Respond  

S.1653 “Prevent Bleeding Act” 

https://votervoice.net/ENA/Campaigns/106563/Respond  

S.1176/H.R.2663 “Support the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Services Workers Act” 

https://www.votervoice.net/ENA/Campaigns/104032/Respond  

H.R.2584/S.2768 “Support the Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act” 

https://www.ena.org/docs/default-source/advocacy-documents/saveact.pdf?sfvrsn=72c3cffb_1  

S.3765/H.R.6960 “Support the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act” 

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

Federal Sites for tracking bills and locating your legislators 

https://www.govtrack.us  

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials  

State sites for tracking bills and locating your legislators 

https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator 

https://app.coloradocapitolwatch.com