NURSING LEGISLATION AND ADVOCACY

Barbara Lumpkin Institute

The Barbara Lumpkin Institute exists to promote public policy education for nurses and friends of nursing. FNA has long been an advocate for nurses and healthcare policy, especially since many of FNA's legislative priorities exist to protect the health of Florida residents. The Barbara Lumpkin Institute supports public policy education through an annual symposium and financial support of nurses getting involved in healthcare policy.

About Barbara Lumpkin

Barbara Lumpkin served FNA and the nurses of Florida is several capacities, most notably as the FNA Lobbyist for many years. She is widely credited with creating the lobbying program of the Florida Nurses Association through her collaboration with hard-working members of the association. Barbara was instrumental in the formation of the Florida Nurses Political Action Committee, Legislative District Coordinator Program, and Political Action Days (now Advocacy Days). Because of her work, thousands of nurses have "learned the ropes" of grassroots advocacy, networking, working on campaigns, and building relationships with policymakers and regulators in the state.

Barbara worked tirelessly for nursing issues, including over 20 years on advanced practice issues. Several years after her retirement from FNA, the Barbara Lumpkin Prescribing Act was passed in 2016 to honor the legacy of her work on that issue.This is one of many honors she has received.

BLI Symposiums

The Institute hosts educational symposiums throughout the year to support its mission of educating nurses about public policy and increasing involvement by nurses in legislation and advocacy. Check our Community Calendar to find out more about any upcoming BLI Symposiums.

BLI Scholarships

Every year, the Barbara Lumpkin Institute is proud to provide scholarships to support FNA Members to attend FNA Advocacy Days (formerly known as Lobby Days). Supporting attendance at this renowned annual event aligns with the Institute's mission to educate nurses about public policy and to increase involvement by nurses in legislation and advocacy. For more information, please review the most recent application form.

2019 BLI Scholarship Application

BLI Toolkit

The Barbara Lumpkin Institute has developed a legislative resource toolkit, full of tips on communicating with legislators, advocating your viewpoints, and more.