THE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY REPRESENTATION COMMITTEE (LARC) works tirelessly to advocate for Nebraska nurses and patients. Meeting weekly, LARC reviews bills and determines NNA’s response based on a member-approved Legislative Platform. The Four Pillars—Support Registered Nurses, Support Scope of Practice, Support the Future of Nursing, and Support Healthcare Access—guide these decisions.

LARC also adheres to the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses (2025), using it as a framework for testimony. For example, Provision 1.4 affirms patients’ right to self-determination, influencing our stance on healthcare legislation. Additionally, the American Nurses Association’s position statements provide evidence-based guidance for advocacy.

NNA’s advocacy is rooted in ethical obligations. Provision 9.1 states that nursing organizations must uphold dignity, equity, and human rights, while Provision 9.3 calls for opposition to policies that undermine health and the common good. As one LARC member put it, “We carefully take a stance on what increases healthcare access vs. what hinders it.”

While representing every nurse’s viewpoint is impossible, LARC ensures NNA’s advocacy is principled and patient-centered.
I welcome your thoughts at nnapresident@nebraskanurses.org.

Linda Hardy, PhD, RN, CNE-R, CTN-A
President, Nebraska Nurses Association