Nurse Leaders Build Advocacy Skills Ahead of Legislative Session
June 10, 2026GBMC nurse leaders are taking a more active role in shaping healthcare policy through a new legislative advocacy effort led by Angie Feurer, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, in partnership with Government Affairs and Marketing.
The newly formed GBMC Nursing Legislative Committee brings together 10 nurse leaders who will spend the next several months learning how to effectively engage with lawmakers, understand Maryland’s legislative process, and elevate the voice of nurses in Annapolis. The group began meeting in June and will participate in a six-month learning series designed to prepare members for the Maryland General Assembly session, which opens in January 2027.
The learning series will include monthly sessions focused on how Maryland government works, the state’s healthcare policy landscape, the role of lobbyists and legislative relationships, effective advocacy communication, priority nursing and healthcare issues, and readiness for action during the legislative session. Our partners at Perry Jacobson will help teach several sessions, and nurse leaders will co-facilitate content focused on the power of the nurse’s voice.
This work is important because decisions made in Annapolis have a direct impact on nurses, patients, and the future of healthcare delivery. Issues such as workforce shortages, staffing, behavioral health, scope of practice, reimbursement, and nurse pipeline development are regularly discussed at the state level. By learning how to track legislation, communicate with elected officials, and share firsthand patient care experiences, GBMC nurses can help ensure policy decisions are informed by those closest to the bedside.
The committee’s work will also connect with GBMC’s broader hospital advocacy efforts, including the hospital committee led by Michele Siri, Esq., an attorney, advocate, and GBMC HealthCare Board member. Over time, the goal is to build a sustainable structure for nurse advocacy that extends beyond a single legislative session.
Nurses are consistently among the most trusted voices in public life. Through this initiative, GBMC is helping nurse leaders turn that trust into informed, effective advocacy for patients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.