Take Action
How Utah Nurses Can Take Action in the State’s Policy Process
Utah nurses play a vital role in shaping health policy, and their engagement is essential to ensuring that laws reflect the needs of patients, communities, and the nursing profession. The state’s policy process offers multiple points of entry for nurse advocacy, from early idea development to legislative decision-making and implementation.
Nurses can begin by staying informed about emerging policy issues, proposed legislation, and the Utah Nurses Association (UNA) policy agenda. Subscribing to legislative alerts, reviewing tracked bills, and attending UNA Government Relations Committee Meetings can help nurses understand how specific proposals may affect practice, workforce conditions, and patient care.
During the General Session, nurses can take action by contacting their legislators, providing concise and evidence-based perspectives on bills under consideration. Personal stories and frontline expertise carry significant weight in legislative decision-making. Nurses may also participate in committee hearings by offering public testimony or submitting written comments, ensuring the nursing perspective is represented in discussions where bills are shaped and amended.
Engagement can extend beyond the legislative session. Nurses can build relationships with elected officials year-round, participate in interim committee meetings, collaborate with advocacy organizations, and contribute to policy development through professional associations. Supporting UNA’s legislative priorities, whether through grassroots advocacy, policy education, or leadership roles, helps amplify the collective voice of the nursing profession.
By staying informed, speaking up, and participating actively in the policy process, Utah nurses can influence decisions that directly affect healthcare delivery, public health, and the future of nursing in the state.
Find Your Legislators
Use the link provided to identify your Utah House Representative and Utah State Senator. Knowing who represents your district is an essential first step in effective advocacy and ensures your voice is directed to the appropriate policymakers.
https://le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp
Tracking a Bill
You can follow the progress of any bill throughout the Utah Legislative Session by using the provided link to the Utah State Legislature website. The bill-tracking page allows you to view updates, committee actions, vote history, amendments, and official documents in real time.
https://le.utah.gov/tracking/trackingLogin
UNA Calls to Action
UNA Calls to Action alert Utah nurses when immediate and time-sensitive advocacy is needed on legislation that affects nursing practice, patient care, or public health. These urgent notifications provide clear guidance on how to contact lawmakers, share your perspective, and support priority bills at the exact moments your voice can have the greatest impact. By responding quickly to Calls to Action, nurses help ensure the profession is heard during critical points in the legislative process.
Take Action by Joining the UNA GRC
One of the most effective ways to influence nursing policy in Utah is by joining the Utah Nurses Association Government Relations Committee (GRC). As a member, you’ll help review legislation, shape UNA’s policy priorities, and amplify the voice of nurses at the state level. Whether you’re experienced in advocacy or just getting started, the GRC offers a meaningful way to take action and make a lasting impact on the future of nursing. If you are interested, please contact the UNA office at [email protected].
Join UNA at Nurses Day at the Legislature
Join the Utah Nurses Association for Nurses Day at the Legislature, where nurses from across the state come together to engage directly in the policymaking process. This event offers a valuable opportunity to meet with lawmakers, learn about current legislative issues, and advocate for policies that strengthen nursing practice and improve patient care. Your participation helps elevate the collective voice of Utah nurses and demonstrates the vital role our profession plays in shaping healthcare policy.