NJSNA Congress on Policy & Practice (COPP)

The Pulse of Nursing Practice and Healthcare Policy

The members of the COPP work passionately to respond to and guide trends in nursing practice, education and healthcare policy. This is accomplished through the development and review of NJSNA position statements. When important topics or issues arise, the COPP may address such concerns by way of a position statement.

Position statements are an explanation, a justification or a recommendation for a course of action that reflects NJSNA’s stance regarding a specific issue or trend based on the latest research, evidence-based practice and nursing expertise.

A second method used by the COPP to guide practice is in the form of a resolution. A resolution is a main motion on a subject of great importance expressed in formal wording. Within the NJSNA, resolutions serve to recognize matters of national or statewide significance affecting nurses, nursing and the healthcare needs of the public

What is the difference between a position statement and a resolution? Position statements provide more detailed information on a topic or issue. Position statements deliver an explanation of NJSNA’s position, why it is important and concludes with recommended education and/or legislation. A resolution simply identifies NJSNA’s recognition and support of an issue or concern.

NJSNA Congress on Policy & Practice

Section 1. PURPOSE

There shall be a Congress on Policy and Practice to promote and perform the comprehensive, integrated analysis of various issues affecting professional nursing practice. Findings and recommendations will be presented to the Board of Directors to assist in guiding the organization.

Section 2. FUNCTIONS

a. Monitor trends in health care delivery and assess their impact on the nursing work force and existing resources.

b. Evaluate proposed federal and state legislation and regulations that may have an impact on nursing policy, practice, education and research.

c. Advise the Board of Directors on legislative and regulatory matters.

d. Plan and promote educational programs that address health care policy, practice, regulation and legislation.

e. Evaluate and recommend action on issues related to human rights.

f. Promote ethical practice within the guidelines of the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

g. Advise the Board of Directors on the ethical and legal aspects of nursing policy, practice, education and research.

h. Monitor scientific and educational developments with implications for nursing policy, practice, education and research; recommend appropriate action to the Board of Directors.

i. Promote the universal acceptance and utilization of nursing standards for all policy, practice, education and research applications within the profession of nursing.

j. Assume other responsibilities as shall be assigned by the NJSNA Board of Directors.

Section 3. ACCOUNTABILITY

The Congress on Policy and Practice shall report and be accountable to the Board of Directors of this Association, and shall act in accordance with all policies and bylaws of the Association.

Section 4. COMPOSITION

a. The Congress of Policy and Practice shall consist of fifteen (15) members:

1. six (6) regional congress representatives,

2. six (6) members-at-large, at least one of whom shall be a staff nurse, as elected by the membership of NJSNA, and

3. three (3) additional members, recommended by the chair and appointed by the members of the Congress, who may be active members of various NJSNAforums, or who may have expertise in one or more of the following areas: Administration, Staff Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Research

b. The six (6) members-at-large shall be elected to three-year terms, with two of these positions filled each year. The three (3) appointed members shall serve upon the recommendation of the Congress on Policy and Practice for three-year terms. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms. Any appointed position vacated before the end of the term shall be filled through an appointment by the members of the Congress. Any elected position vacated before the end of the term shall be filled according to existing NJSNA policy.

c. The members of the Congress on Policy and Practice shall, at the regular organizational meeting, elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Congress each for a two-year term; no chairperson or vice-chairperson shall serve more than two consecutive terms. The chairperson shall occupy a seat on the Board of Directors in accordance with existing NJSNA policy. In the event that the chairperson is unable to attend a Board of Directors meeting, the Vice-Chairperson shall attend and represent the Congress with full voice and vote. In addition, the Vice-Chairperson will attend all INPAC meetings and represent the Congress with full voice and vote.