ONA Committees and Councils

This leadership team is crucial in ensuring that the voices of nurses are heard in legislative processes and that the interests of healthcare professionals are represented. The Health Policy Council (HPC) is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on public policy and political advocacy. The HPC shapes policies that directly affect the nursing profession and healthcare in Ohio.

HPC Members

The Ohio Nurses Association Continuing Education Council (CEC) are ONA members with a specialty background and/or interest in nursing continuing professional development, who have applied to serve on this council. CEC members peer review the individual activity applications and provider unit applications ONA receives for CE approval. CEC members also participate in planning ONA CE activities.

Members of the CEC

• Sue Smith, MSN, RN, CCHP-RN – Co-chair
• Laura Rafeld, MSN, RN, NPD-BC – Co-chair
• Jacqueline Gierlach, MS, BSN, RN, CDDN

The Council on Practice (COP) consists of members with diverse clinical backgrounds, bringing a wealth of expertise to their roles.

The COP is responsible for interpreting professional standards of practice within the state and devising effective methods for their implementation. This ensures that nursing practices remain current and adhere to the highest professional standards.

In addition to standard-setting, the COP collaborates with various groups on issues related to nursing practice, addressing both emerging and ongoing concerns. The COP also serves as peer review body and contributes to ONA’s Official Report: The State of Nursing in Ohio, helping to shape policies and recommendations that impact nurse staffing across the state. Furthermore, the COP works on tasks assigned within the ONA’s strategic plan, contributing to the broader organizational goals and initiatives.

COP Members

• Nicole Baltich, MS, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
• Catharyne Henderson, BSN, RN-BC
• Jacinta Tucker, MSN, RN