Nurses Day at the Capitol 2025

Since the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) was founded in 1906, one of its primary purposes has been to represent and support all segments of nursing practice by working with the state legislature and stakeholders.  Individual nurses and professional organizations must take a stand on policies, laws and regulations that impact our daily work.  We advocate for nurses, patients and their families in many ways.  Our focus is SANE nurses, School nurses, Workforce support and the Brand Image of Nursing. 

The 2024 Nurses Day held on February 8th was a huge success!  More than 300 nurses and nursing students from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky met at the Capitol Building in Frankfort to engage with law makers and share priorities important to nurses. Governor Andy Beshear took time to address nurses in the House Chambers, taking questions and sharing some of his healthcare priorities for his second term in office. Later in the day several other lawmakers including Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Whitney Westerfield, and KNA Citizen of the Year Representative Jason Nemes took time to meet with nurses in a Town Hall style format. Legislators listened to nurses, answered questions, and shared legislation or ideas that pertain to nurses and healthcare in Kentucky.

THANK YOU to every person who showed up, listened, shared, asked GREAT questions, and advocated for nurses and patients across our Commonwealth.

Nurse Legislator Engagement Program
The best path to be an effective advocate is to build a relationship with your elected officials.  KNA’s Nurse Legislator Engagement Program is an exciting initiative which pairs a KNA member with their state representative or senator to build relationships, promote advocacy, and to serve as a resource.  To learn more about how to participate in this program, contact KNA’s Administrative Coordinator at admin@kentucky-nurses.org or at 502/245-2843.

Kentucky Bill Watch
In partnership with the Kentucky Legislature and The Legislative Research Commission, Kentucky.gov has created Bill Watch. This free service enables Kentucky.gov registered users unlimited tracking of legislation during the Kentucky Legislative Session.  Register here.

Stay Up to Date with ANA’s Federal Advocacy
The American Nurses Association (ANA) works with federal lawmakers to advocate on nursing priorities. RNAction, run by the ANA Department of Government Affairs (GOVA), operates a digital hub where you will find out exactly what ANA is doing to help advance the cause of nursing at a national level – and how you can get involved in the push for quality health care for all.  Get started here.

Find Your Legislators

• Federal Legislators
• Kentucky State Legislators