May 5, 2026
Dear Washington ENA Members,
Last week, your Washington ENA Government Affairs Chairs met with representatives from members of Congress to advocate for policies that directly impact emergency nurses across our state. We were proud to bring forward your voices and highlight three key pieces of legislation critical to our profession and the patients we serve.
The Save Healthcare Workers Act
This bipartisan legislation would make it a federal crime to assault a healthcare worker. Workplace violence remains a daily reality for many emergency nurses, and the lack of consistent protections puts staff at risk. This bill is vital for Washington State ER nurses, as it strengthens accountability and helps create safer work environments so we can focus on delivering high-quality patient care without fear for our personal safety.
Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization
Title VIII programs provide essential federal funding for nursing education, workforce development, loan repayment, and scholarships. These programs expired last year, creating uncertainty for the future of nursing pipeline support. Reauthorization is crucial for addressing staffing shortages, supporting nurse retention, and ensuring that Washington’s emergency departments are staffed with well-trained, highly skilled nurses.
The ABC-ED Act (Addressing Boarding and Crowding in the Emergency Department Act)
Emergency department crowding and patient boarding continue to strain nurses and compromise patient care. The ABC-ED Act seeks to study and develop solutions to these systemic challenges. For ER nurses in Washington State, this legislation represents an important step toward improving patient flow, reducing burnout, and ensuring timely, safe care for every patient who walks through our doors.
Our advocacy does not stop here. Your voice is one of the most powerful tools we have. We encourage you to stay engaged by signing up for EN411 Action Alerts (https://votervoice.net/ENA/register) to receive timely updates and opportunities to contact your legislators. Additionally, sharing your personal stories with your representatives helps bring these issues to life and reinforces why these policies matter. You can also reach out on your own to your representative by clicking this link https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Your Washington ENA Government Affairs Committee:
Karen Kettner, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN
Government Affairs Co-Chair
Michelle Percopo, DNP, APRN-BC, FNP
Government Affairs Co-Chair
Brian Burns, DNP, MS, PhDc
Immediate Past President