Erin Allison, BSN, RN, CEN
Chair
Bellingham
Legislative and Health Policy Council
The Legislative and Health Policy Council sets the annual health policy and legislative agenda for WSNA and plays an active role in reviewing and advancing WSNA’s legislative priorities. Council members represent the membership by serving in a politically non-partisan capacity. The Council meets at least three times a year, including during WSNA's Advocacy Camp and Lobby Day. Council members also make weekly phone calls to review proposed legislation during the state legislative session.
Functions of the Council
- Recommend a biennial state legislative agenda in the first year of each legislative biennium and an adjusted annual state legislative agenda in the second year of the legislative biennium to the Board of Directors.
- Review proposed legislation and make decisions on WSNA’s stance and actions based on recommendations from the staff, contract lobbyists and members.
- Educate and support nurses and nursing students in advocating for WSNA’s state legislative priorities.
- Share and discuss health policy issues and WSNA’s legislative priorities with lawmakers, WSNA members, partner organizations and the public.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the legislative program, and review goals on an ongoing basis.
Note: three additional members will be appointed to the council to serve during the 2023-2025 term.
Members of the Council (2023-2025)
Ingrid Anderson, RN
Member at-large
Snoqualmie
Breanna Casas, BSN, RN
Member at-large
Seattle
Leigh Kalaman, DNP, ARNP, RN, FNP-BC
Member at-large
Renton
Emily Kay, BSN, RN
Member at-large
Seattle
Cheri Osler, Ed.D, MS-CNS, AHN-BC, LMHC, RN, CNE
Member at-large
Spokane
Kathleen Thompson, RN
Member at-large
Spokane
Justin Gill, DNP, ARNP, RN
Member at Large
Marysville
Katie Johnson, DNP, RN, NCSN-E, APHN-BC, FNASN, FAAN
Member at Large
Everett