One opportunity that exists for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policymaking is to join a state nurses association and offer their expert opinion on developing new regulations and policies. Nurses should become well informed about health and public policies that are currently under political consideration. They can attend committee hearings when bills or issues are being addressed. A hearing provides the opportunity for interest groups, executive branch agencies, and groups that represent the public to hear about the selected parties’ strengths and weaknesses of the proposed bill. It is at this hearing that witnesses can provide oral remarks and submit a written version of feedback on the proposal to the assembled committee.
