NEW YORK NURSE: November/December 2011
by Erin Silk
Back by popular demand, NYSNA members will have the opportunity to lobby for nursing’s agenda and participate in a two-day legislative workshop on March 19-20 at The Hotel Albany (formerly The Crowne Plaza). The workshop outlines those areas of the state budget that would benefit from nurses advocating for their patients and the profession.
The members-only lobby day was added in response to increasing attendance at NYSNA’s traditional lobby day held in April each year, which includes student nurse attendees. “Our turn-out at Lobby Day has been spectacular,” said NYSNA Director of Governmental Affairs, Shaun Flynn, “this additional event assures that Albany lawmakers hear from our members directly about issues that affect their practice and safe patient care.”
Recent legislative and political change could mean a significant impact on nursing. Flynn’s presentation, “Seismic Shift: The New Political Landscape and Its Impact on Nursing Advocacy” will explain how these political changes will impact nursing advocacy.
Governor Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) was tasked with finding ways to promote access to services while containing costs and combating fraud. Sally Dreslin, Associate Director of Governmental Affairs at NYSNA will present, “MRT and the Budget: What’s In, What’s Out and What it Means to You.” Information regarding the outcome of Phase 2 of the MRT and the proposals that were included in the state budget will be discussed.
Registration for the members-only Lobby Day workshop will be available soon. We hope you will join us in representing New York’s nurses in Albany.