REFERENCE PROPOSALS
Reference Proposals suggest the Nebraska Nurses Association's actions in regards to certain issues or ideas. They are presented to and voted upon by NNA’s House of Delegates during the annual meeting.
Definition: Proposals are documents presented to the House of Delegates, which describe positions of the Association or propose the need for action to be taken.
What they do: Approved proposals guide and direct what NNA is to do during a given time period.
Why proposals are important: It’s a way for members to assure that the association will focus on matters that concern them.
CALL FOR REFERENCE PROPOSALS
When: The NNA Reference Committee encourages the submission of proposals to be considered for presentation to the House of Delegates, usually by July 1st before the convention.
Deadline: Usually the first of July for all but emergency proposals. This allows the committee sufficient time to review the proposal and complete its charge of accepting, editing, consolidating, referring or rejection. It also will permit the committee sufficient time to consult with the submitter and/or with other relevant groups, should there be a need. Emergency proposals are accepted after the deadline date and up to 5:00 p.m. the day before the convention starts.
Who can submit a proposal? Individual NNA members, district nurses associations, NNA structural units and the NNA Board of Directors may initiate proposals. When several groups are concerned about the same issue, collaboration is appropriate and valuable. The committee is available to assist any member or group in drafting proposals and urges that its help be solicited if there are any questions.
How can I find out more? The 2010 proposal format can help you in the drafting process. You may also contact the 2010 Co-Chairs of the Reference Committee, Winnie Dolph or Deb Ussery, through the NNA office.
How can I improve the chances my proposal will be accepted? Applicants should make every effort to fit the proposal into the long-term goals of NNA and suggest specific activities to accomplish their intent. However, the Board of Directors is responsible for determining plans for final action.
What happens to the proposal? The Reference Committee will meet to determine if a Reference Proposal should move forward to the House of Delegates. During the House of Delegates, the Reference Committee will sponsor hearings on the proposals to provide information on issues and to provide an opportunity for clarification, discussions and perfection of the proposal prior to action by the House of Delegates. Delegates should plan to attend these hearings and work with the committee in order to move the actions of the House forward during its scheduled session.
PROPOSALS ADOPTED BY THE 2009 HOUSE OF DELEGATES:
1. Proposal 2009-1: Workplace Violence - ADOPTED
2. Proposal 2009-2: Establish A Communication to Address Infection Prevention - ADOPTED
PROPOSALS ADOPTED BY THE 2008 HOUSE OF DELEGATES:
1. Proposal 2008-1: Safe Nurse Staffing for Patients & Nurses
2. Proposal 2008-2: Establish a Nebraska Nursing Hall of Fame
PROPOSALS ADOPTED BY THE 2007 HOUSE OF DELEGATES:
1. Proposal 2007-1: Protection of nurses from criminal prosecution for unintentional medical error - ADOPTED
2. Proposal 2007-2: Disseminate information on recycling of medications - ADOPTED
3. Proposal 2007-3: Support for a smoke-free Nebraska - ADOPTED
4. Proposal 2007-4: Provide funding to the Nebraska Coalition for Patient Safety - ADOPTED
5. Proposal 2007-5: Establish an office of Chief Nursing Executive of the State of Nebraska - RETRACTED
6. Proposal 2007-6 Emergency: Establish SCHIP (State Child Health Insurance Program) Task Force to Support Expanded Nebraska "Kid's Connection" - ADOPTED
7. Proposal 2007-7 Emergency: Support for a Baby Safe Haven Law in Nebraska - ADOPTED
8. Proposal 2007-8 Emergency: Oppose use of restriction of RN's legal scope of practice for the purpose of defining assisted living - ADOPTED
OTHER CURRENT REFERENCE PROPOSALS:
Proposal 2006-1: Establish A Task Force to Address Workplace Safety for the Health Care Provider
