Governmental Affairs

Image: NYSNA Lobby Day 2010Annual Lobby Day: Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany, NY

Agenda | Nursing School Participants | PAC Luncheon
Additional Materials | Information/Details
Secure Online Registration Form | Find your Legislators

Make your voice heard at the State Capitol!

The 2011 legislative session was an active one for New York's nurses. The lobbying efforts of NYSNA members helped to move key safety bills forward in both houses. The Safe Patient Handling bill passed the Assembly for the first time ever in June. It is currently in the Senate Rules Committee. Also for the first time, Safe Staffing Ratios was reported out of the Health Committee and into Finance. It progressed in the Assembly to the Ways and Means Committee and ended the session in that committee. Lawmakers were also lobbied on the Educational Advancement for Nurses bill, which remains a top priority for NYSNA's 2012 legislative agenda. New York's nurses must continue to put pressure on the Legislature to address issues such as chronic understaffing, which not only endangers patient care, but contributes to nurse burnout and turnover.

On April 17, New York nurses and nursing students will speak with one voice about these issues. Join your colleagues in Albany to urge our State Legislature to:

Agenda


Time Information
8:00 AM Registration area opens (pre-registration recommended)
10:00 AM (sharp) Legislative briefing (1.5 contact hours)
NYSNA staff and professional lobbyists provide an overview of the current political climate in New York State and legislative priorities for nurses. You’ll be well prepared for lobbying visits with practical tips and talking points. Contact hours will be awarded.
11:30 AM -
12:30 PM		 PAC luncheon (or lunch on your own)
Noon - 4:00 PM Lobbying appointments (attendees must schedule their appointments)
1:00 - 4:00 PM Debriefing sessions

NYSNA wishes to disclose that no commercial support was received.

Declaration of Vested Interest: None.

Nursing School Participants

Please note: Schools of nursing are welcome to carry fabric banners, but may not use any framing (wood, metal or plastic poles) for security reasons. Banners may be displayed, but not hung in the Convention Center.

:: Top of Page

PAC Luncheon

Get the inside story on politics at the State Capitol and support the NYSNA Political Action Committee (PAC) by attending the annual PAC Luncheon. A special guest speaker (to be announced) will offer a unique perspective on how nurses can have a strong voice in Albany. Fee for this hot buffet lunch is $45; reservations can be made with your Lobby Day online registration. If you’re not attending the PAC luncheon, you may want to explore one of the Plaza concourse's fast-serve restaurants.

:: Top of Page

Additional Materials

:: Top of Page

Information/Details

Contact Hours

The New York State Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Please note: In order to receive contact hours, participants are required to attend the entire session and complete an evaluation.

:: Top of Page

Check-In/Registration

Check-in and registration begins at 8:00 AM in the Empire State Plaza directly outside of the Convention Hall. Use the following maps (.pdf) to navigate to the check-in area, and throughout the Empire State Plaza:

:: Top of Page

Hotel Accommodations

If you require overnight accommodations in Albany, we recommend you contact:

:: Top of Page

Traveling by car

See Driving Directions and Parking for general directions and recommended parking areas. For door-to-door driving directions to the Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY use an online resource such as Google Maps.

Photo ID is required for all visitors who wish to park at the Empire State Plaza Visitors lot, including the driver and all passengers. Those without proper ID will not be allowed to park at the Empire State Plaza, and must use alternative lots (see map).

:: Top of Page

Bus Transportation

Buses are tentatively scheduled to transport NYSNA members from Brooklyn, Bronx, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan and Westchester. Indicate on your registration form if you are interested in reserving a seat. Please note: NYSNA reserves the right to cancel buses if necessary, and bus transportation is provided for NYSNA Members only.

:: Top of Page

Capitol/Legislative Office Buildings Security

Please be prepared to present a photo ID and pass through a security checkpoint when going to appointments with legislators. You're required to pass through a metal detector and your belongings are scanned through an x-ray machine. Knives, guns, explosive devices, whistles, chains, or sticks (that can be used as weapons) are NOT allowed in these buildings.

:: Top of Page

New York State Capitol Guided Tours

Participants may take advantage of a Capitol Tour. Groups should pre-register by calling the Office of General Services Visitors Assistance: 518.474.2418. More information is available online.

:: Top of Page