Policy Platform

The Health Policy Platform of the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) serves as a framework to direct our strategic political and legislative involvement and investment.

ONA’s advocacy efforts are focused on improving health standards and ensuring the availability of healthcare services for all people. These efforts encompass the following:

• Upholding equitable basic human rights within the healthcare delivery system.
• Supporting state policies and programs that address the fundamental needs of individuals, families, and groups, particularly concerning healthcare.
• Promoting occupational, environmental, and public health standards that minimize hazards and safeguard the well-being of all populations.
• Ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services.
• Advocating for a stable source of funding to meet healthcare needs, along with recognition and fair compensation for the services provided by registered nurses.
• Championing legislation that mandates financial transparency among healthcare providers, prioritizing patient care over financial profit.
• Recognizing the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in nursing and fostering an inclusive environment that embraces and celebrates individuals from diverse backgrounds.

ONA will empower nurses to fight for safe staffing standards, mitigating workplace violence, and fostering recruitment and retention of bedside nurses. To achieve these goals, ONA will:

• Advocate for the establishment and enforcement of adequate staffing standards in healthcare facilities to ensure safe patient care.
• Support legislative measures that require mandatory reporting of incidents of workplace violence and provide protection for nurses who report such incidents.
• Promote the inclusion of workplace violence prevention and de-escalation training programs for nurses and other healthcare personnel.
• Support initiatives that enhance the working conditions, professional development opportunities, and job satisfaction for nurses in bedside care.
• Advocate for competitive compensation and benefits packages that recognize the value of nurses’ expertise and contributions.

The Health Policy Platform is established by the Health Policy Council, approved by the Board of Directors, and endorsed by ONA members every two years at the biennial convention.

Whether you’re seeking information about an upcoming election or registering to vote, we’ve got you covered. Click here for information about ONA’s endorsements, elections, and voting.