ASHHRA

Leadership ConferenceApril 24-25, 2008

ASHHRA Advocacy Committee Update

Advocacy Committee Update

Role of the National Advocacy Committee

Review of Proposed Federal Legislation

Raising our Voices – Advocacy at the

State Level

Your National Advocacy Committee

Committee ChargeThe Advocacy Committee monitors national

and state legislative and labor developments and researches, develops, and promotes advocacy programs that represent the interests of the membership, human resources professionals, and the healthcare industry.

Your National Advocacy Committee

• Committee Members:• Les Abercrombie, Chair• Mike Paruta (Region 1)• Marcia Telthorster (Region 2)• Val Short (Region 3)• James Parsons (Region 4)• Doug Jontz (Region 5)• Steve Hodges (Region 6)• Emily Mouser (Region 7)• Pamela Drake (Region 8)• Gail Blanchard-Saiger (Region 9)• Roger King (At-Large)• Staff Liaison: Stephanie Drake • Staff Liaison: Cathy Sewell• AHA Liaison: Carla Luggiero

•Federal Advocacy•Hill Visit•Service to members•Support to Chapters•Model the ASHHRA leader competencies

Proposed Legislation

Employee Card Check / Employee Free Choice Act An amendment to the National Labor Relations Act that would eliminate

the employee’s right to a private ballot election to determine union representation. Employers would be required to recognize the union on the basis of a majority of employees in their bargaining unit having signed an authorization card.

It would also require federally-mandated binding arbitration if a contract isn’t reached in 90 days.

Increased penalties for violations

Status: Passed the House. Stalled in Senate. Insufficient support to override a threatened veto by President Bush. Legislation on hold.

Proposed Legislation

Nurse Education / Workforce Funding

$156.4 million for nursing programs, an increase of $6.4 million

over 2007 spending. This is spread over 11 different federal

agencies.

Current fiscal year – October 2007 - 2008

Underlying authority has to renew every five years

Congress will need to reauthorize

ASHHRA / AHA advocated $200 M

Status: Signed into law.

Proposed Legislation

Mandatory Staffing Ratios

Similar to California’s state law, this would mandate

staffing ratios for Registered Nurses.

Require hospitals to collaboratively develop staffing

plans.Why is there a shortage?

Status: Legislation introduced.

Proposed Legislation

Definition of a Supervisor – RESPECT Act

An amendment to the National Labor Relations Board definition

of “supervisor” by eliminating “responsibly directing” and

“assigning” other employees. This would address the issue

of Charge Nurses as supervisors. Also requires supervisors

to spend 51% on most of their time doing daily administrative

tasks.

Status: Legislation pending.

Proposed Legislation

Americans with Disabilities Act Revisions

An expansion of the ADA, to include temporary and minor

disabilities.

Disability is considered as an “impairment.”

Shifts the burden of proof to the employer to show the

employee is not impaired.

Status: Legislation pending; likely to pass the House.

Proposed Legislation

Immigration

Political hot potato

Skilled Healthcare workers

Status: ASHHRA and AHA are investigating ways to

streamline the system for well-qualified, internationally-

educated healthcare professionals to come to the U.S.

Proposed Legislation

Workforce Verification

An employment eligibility verification system offered

through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Available through a private vendor.

Status: Legislation Pending

Raising Our Voices -Advocacy at the Chapter/State Level

Educating, Persuading, Producing

Educating members of your state legislation

Persuading policy-makers to respond to your concerns.

Producing a specific agenda and/or public policy which will

benefit our patients.

Advocacy at the State Level

Build a Legislative and Labor Subcommittee Through Your

State Chapter: Bylaws

Identify a champion

Develop the committee

Survey the membership

Create goals and objectives

Develop a list of legislators with contact information

Work through your state association

Keep membership updated through the Web site / e-mail alerts

Give the members the tools they need to communicate with the legislators.

Fundamentals of Advocacy

Identify key resources

Review proposed

bill

Identify representatives

Mobilize membership

Identify Key Resources

• Newspapers & Magazines

• Television

• Radio

• Professional Journals

• Local Chambers of Commerce

• Legislators’ Web sites & Mailings

• Local Business Associations

• State Association Updates

• Your Hospital or System Government Affairs Officer

Additional Advocacy Resources

National resources:ASHHRA

http://www.ashhra.org

American Hospital Association

http://www.aha.org

State resources:Your State Hospital Association

Your State Legislature

Your State ASHHRA Chapter

Your State and Local Chambers of Commerce

Review the Proposed Bill

Ohio Staffing

Plan Bill of 2007

Identify Representatives

Mobilizing the Membership

Inform the membership

Put the process in motion!

Raise Our Voices!

Be aware of legislative issues!

Familiarize yourself with the Advocacy Process

Work collaboratively with your state hospital association.

Get involved!

Raise Our Voices!

Be aware of legislative issues!

Familiarize yourself with the Advocacy Process

Work collaboratively with your state hospital association.

Get involved!