Discussion and decisions that guide the profession
An important part of serving as president of the American Nurses Association (ANA)—and one that I look forward to each year—is presiding over the ANA Membership Assembly, our governing and official voting body. From June 27 to 28, nurse leaders from ANA’s constituent and state nurses associations (C/SNAs), Individual Member Division (IMD), and organizational affiliates gathered in Washington, DC, to conduct the business of ANA, elect leaders for national office, and deliberate on crucial issues concerning the nursing profession—an impactful expression of The Power of Nurses™.
The nearly 400 people who attended discussed and provided valuable insights and guidance to the ANA Board of Directors, voting on key issues. While doing so, we set a model for respectful debate and decision-making in these fractious times. In a room filled with diverse opinions, I’m proud of the dynamic yet civil conversation and well-informed and well-intentioned voting process.
People who live in rural communities face significant barriers, such as provider shortages and limited broadband access, which contribute to substantial health disparities. With nurses ideally positioned to lead innovative solutions, the assembly called on ANA to advance policies that promote the use of nurse-led care delivery modalities that improve rural health access.
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds unprecedented promise to improve clinical decision-making and enhance patient safety and outcomes. However, the assembly stressed that guidelines involving AI need to consider how to protect the role and clinical judgement of nurses, as well as the nurse–patient relationship. Attendees also emphasized that nurses should be involved in AI governance and development and that regulations and payment structures should advance the use of AI ethically and equitably.
The assembly considered a series of bylaws amendments that define how ANA governs itself. At the assembly’s direction, the ANA Board of Directors is creating a committee that will further explore and propose specific recommendations at the 2026 Membership Assembly about membership status for licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses and about how representatives are apportioned from C/SNAs and the IMD.
The assembly also debated and endorsed a proposal that urged the ANA Board of Directors to directly articulate the profession’s strong opposition to federal policies that contradict core nursing principles. The profession supports access to care, nursing workforce development, science-based public health measures, and equity in healthcare.
The day before Membership Assembly, more than 500 nurses engaged in an important and fundamental act of democracy. At Hill Day, we visited 336 offices and met directly with 80 Congressional members, using our presence, voices, insights, and personal experiences to educate them about our priority legislative issues.
At ANA, we’re deeply concerned about the negative impacts of H.R. 1, which was signed into law on July 4 and will slash healthcare funding by $1.1 trillion, with $930 billion in Medicaid cuts. Despite this sweeping setback, our commitment to ensuring human flourishing and access to healthcare remains steadfast. As H.R. 1 is implemented and other federal policy matters are considered, your voice and insights matter.
I encourage you to run to be a C/SNA representative or come as an observer at the 2026 Membership Assembly. Join us at Hill Day next year. Keep up to date and speak out on federal policies that have profound consequences for nurses and our nation’s health at RN Action.
You hold the power to help guide the profession and ignite change—in your workplace and for all recipients of care.
Jennifer Mensik Kennedy PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
President, American Nurses Association
American Nurse Journal. 2025; 20(9). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ092518
American Nurse is the official journal of the American Nurses Association and is a member benefit. Learn more about the association and the many benefits of joining. 
