Template Letter to a Legislator
Senator (Insert name of senator)
Senate Bldg Room #
City, State, Zip code
Dear Senator (NAME),
My name is (insert name). I am an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in (state/jurisdiction). I am writing to request your
support for (bill #). This legislation will assist our jurisdiction in meeting the new national standards for APRNs outlined in the
Consensus Model for APRN Regulation (which can be accessed by visiting www.ncsbn.org/aprn.htm). These standards were written
by representatives of 48 different APRN groups and are supported by the APRNs in our jurisdiction. The purpose of these standards
is to ensure that APRNs in every U.S. jurisdiction meet the same qualifications and are able to perform the same functions. This will
ensure that the citizens of (state/jurisdiction) receive the safe competent care that APRNs can provide. In addition, these standards
will increase mobility of APRNs and may provide increased access to health care overall.
APRNs include certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), certified registered nurse anesthetists
(CRNAs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). APRNs are a highly valued and integral part of the health care system. They have
the necessary knowledge and skills to care for patients in the absence of any other providers and can tremendously improve access to
health care in rural areas of the jurisdiction. (If possible, add some jurisdiction specific information for your legislator here.)
Passage of (bill name) provides for the adoption of language which will: Plug in bullet points as they apply to your bill; revise and edit as
needed for your specific situation.
ÊÊÊÊÊÊEnsure public safety by requiring advanced practice registered nurses to be licensed as APRNs. Currently, our jurisdiction does
not require this. This would be in addition to the registered nurse (RN) license and is a recommendation in the Consensus
Model for APRN Regulation. Both licenses would be regulated by the jurisdictionàboard of nursing.
Establish graduate level nursing education as the minimum level of academic requirement for APRN licensure. Graduate level
education requires advanced courses in many areas, including pharmacology, as well as extensive clinical practice hours, in order
to earn the graduate degree.
Ensure that all APRNs have met the requirements for advanced education from an accredited graduate program. The bill
requires all APRN education programs to undergo a board of nursing approval process and be accredited by the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing Accreditation.
Require professional certification for APRN licensure. Graduates of nursing programs are required to take and pass a certification
examination in their area of APRN specialty. This exam helps establish entry-level competency. APRNs are held to professional
standards established by the certifying body, in addition to the jurisdictionànurse practice act.
Improve the publicàunderstanding of who is providing their care. Currently, different jurisdictions refer to APRNs by different
titles. In (state/jurisdiction) we currently use the title (insert title used in jurisdiction-such as APN). This can cause confusion if
patients have moved from another jurisdiction where APRNs have a different title. The goal is for the title dvanced practice
registered nurse (APRN)4o be adopted by every jurisdiction to provide an easily recognized professional designation in all
jurisdictions. APRNs will be required to legally represent themselves as APRNs, followed by their specialty role (CNP, CNM,
CRNA or CNS). For example, the legal title/signature for a nurse practitioner would read: Barbara Smith, APRN, CNP.
Allow APRNs to practice independently. Current jurisdiction law requires APRNs (insert requirement, such as signing
collaborative practice agreements with a physician or have physician supervision) in order to practice. Numerous studies
published over the past 30 years have shown that APRNs provide safe, high quality care without physician oversight.
I ask you to support (bill name) to improve the provision of health care to the citizens of (state/jurisdiction). Please contact me with
any additional questions you may have.
Respectfully Yours,
Your name
Your legal title
Your contact information
SAMPLE LETTER TO YOUR SENATOR
You may write any Member of the Senate at:
Post Office Box 142
Columbia, S.C. 29202-0142
Senate Mailing List (Word .docx) Merge format.
The sample letter below is provided to show the correct format for addressing your State Senator. It is
impossible to provide one letter that would meet the needs of all students; so, you will need to personalize
your letter to address your concerns or issues regarding legislation. Please use the left-hand column as a
guide for the format, but make the letter unique to your needs!
Return Address
Your Name
Address
City, S.C. Zip Code
Date
[Insert Date]
SenatoràAddress
The Honorable [Insert SenatoràName]
Post Office Box 142
Columbia, S.C. 29202-0142
Salutation
Dear Senator [Insert Last Name]:
Introduce yourself:
My name is [Insert Your Name] and I reside at [Insert Your Address] in
your name, address and
[Insert Your City], South Carolina. I am in the fourth grade at [Insert
school to identify that you Your School].
are a constituent
Why are you writing your I am writing you to ask that you help make school buses safer to ride. I
Senator?
ride the bus to and from school every day.
[Be specific with your suggestion, idea or request. If you are
writing about a specific Bill, include the Bill Number for example, H. 5400 or. S. 2815]
Ask for a response
I appreciate your help and ask that you please send me a response
letting me know if you are able to pass a Bill that would make our
school buses safer to ride.
Thank your Senator for Thank you for your time and considering my request.
his/her time
Closing with your name
Sincerely,
[Insert Your Name]

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