The Health Policy Council is made up of at least nine individuals, including two representatives from the ONA Board of Directors. Appointments to the Council are made every two years (in the off convention years) to correspond with the legislative cycle. In other words, new Council members are named at the time a new General Assembly is about to convene. 

Members serve two years and are deeply involved in both the legislative and political activities of ONA. Recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the association's overall legislative platform originate from the Council. In addition, Council members review bills, participate in strategy development sessions, and can assist districts in developing their own legislative programs. During election years members coordinate the candidate endorsement process and make recommendations about contributions from the Political Contributing Entity (PCE). Specifically, the Council does the following:

• Evaluate proposed federal, state and local legislation for its implication for nurses, nursing and health and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
• Develop and institute a state legislative program with the approval of the Board of Directors.
• Advise the Board of Directors, structural units and districts on legislative and political issues.
• Develop a grassroots political participation program.
• Promote appointment of qualified nurses to key leadership positions in government, industry, state, health related foundations and consumer organizations.
• Oversee fund raising efforts for support of candidates for the state legislature.
• Implement the endorsement process in election years.
• Appoint the CEO as the treasurer biennially, who shall function in accordance with legal requirements for political contributing entities.

2010 Meetings

• February 19, 2010 @ ONA  10am-4pm
• April 23, 2010 via Conference Call  12pm-1pm
• May 24, 2010 @ ONA   10am-4pm   
• July 16, 2010 @ ONA   10am-4pm (Endorsement Process Meeting)
• August 26, 2010 @ ONA   10am-4pm  (This meeting may include an event reception to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Women's Suffrage)
• October 22, 2010 via Conference Call   12pm-1pm
• November 19, 2010 @ ONA   10am-4pm