ANA celebrates inclusion of nurse staffing in National Performance Goals
In a landmark achievement for the nursing profession, the American Nurses Association (ANA) announced that nurse staffing has been formally recognized within the Joint Commission’s newly renamed National Performance Goals. This marks the first time staffing has been included as a core standard for patient safety.
Effective January 1, 2026, National Performance Goal 12 will require healthcare organizations to demonstrate compliance with policies and procedures related to nurse staffing and numeration, including the requirement that a nurse is on duty whenever Critical Access Hospitals have one or more inpatients. The change carries significant implications for hospital accreditation and reimbursement.
“Today’s achievement is a defining moment for the nursing profession and for patient care across the nation,” said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “For decades, nurses have sounded the alarm that safe staffing saves lives. The inclusion of nurse staffing as a national performance goal validates what nurses have always known, that adequate staffing is essential to prevent patient harm, improve patient outcomes, and create a safer environment.”
The milestone follows years of advocacy and collaboration led by ANA and its partners, including the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. ANA convened the National Nurse Staffing Task Force to drive the initiative, with Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FAONL, senior vice president of Equity & Engagement for the American Nurses Enterprise, serving as facilitator.
“This outcome demonstrates the power of persistence and the influence of the nursing voice in shaping national policy,” said Boston-Leary. “It shows what’s possible when we lead with evidence, unity, and an unwavering focus on patient safety.”
While celebrating the victory, ANA leaders emphasized the need for continued advocacy to ensure all accrediting bodies adopt similar standards. The association views this development as a pivotal step toward safer, more equitable healthcare environments across the country. Read about the National Performance Goals at bit.ly/3JR8dGL.
Dr. Sarah Gray appointed senior vice president, nursing impact at ANE
“Sarah is joining the American Nurses Enterprise at a pivotal moment in time,” said Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, FNP-C, ENP-C, AGACNP-BC, CFRN, FAANP, FAEN, FAAN, FACHE, chief nursing officer (CNO) at ANE. In her role, Dr. Gray will oversee a broad portfolio of nursing programs and initiatives, including Nursing Practice and Work Environment, the Center for Ethics and Human Rights, the Minority Fellowship Program at ANA, the National Alliance for Quality Care, and Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation®.
Dr. Gray brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as CNO at Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She was recently honored as the inaugural recipient of the Debbie Dawson Hatmaker Leadership Award™ at the 2025 Magnet & Pathway Conference™ in Atlanta. The award recognizes nurse leaders who exemplify values-based leadership, integrity, and purpose. Gray was singled out for her ability to foster trust, build collaborative teams, and create workplaces rooted in ethical behavior and shared values.
“Sarah represents the very best of nursing leadership,” said Angela Beddoe, chief executive officer, ANE. “Her ability to lead with compassion and conviction, while fostering environments of trust and collaboration will be the foundation for her new and forward-looking position.”
“I’m excited to join the American Nurses Enterprise in this role, amplifying nursing impact as the enterprise imagines itself into 2040,” added Dr. Gray. “The American Nurses Enterprise has demonstrated tremendous success in this space, and I am humbled to join the team.”
Her appointment marks a significant step forward in ANE’s mission to elevate the nursing profession and improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.
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