ADVOCACY AT ASGNA

A Stronger Voice for GI Nurses and Safer Care for Every Patient

Gastroenterology nurses see firsthand how policy shapes the patient experience — from endoscope reprocessing standards to safe staffing and sedation practices. ASGNA advocates at the state and national level so that the people closest to patient care help shape the rules that govern it.

Patient safety first — evidence-based standards for infection prevention and procedural care.

Nursing at the table — representing GI nurses with legislators, regulators, and health systems.

Collective impact — empowering members and partners to speak up and drive change.

POLICY INITIATIVES

Shaping safer, smarter GI care through policy

ASGNA works alongside legislators, regulators, and healthcare partners to advance standards that protect patients and empower gastroenterology nurses and associates. These are the focus areas guiding our legislative agenda.

Endoscope Reprocessing Standards

Advocating for evidence-based reprocessing guidelines and oversight that reduce infection risk in every endoscopy unit.

Safe Staffing & Sedation Practice

Supporting staffing ratios and clear scope-of-practice rules for moderate sedation so nurses can deliver safe, attentive care.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Access

Championing coverage policies that remove cost barriers to screening and follow-up colonoscopy for all patients.

Education & Certification Support

Promoting funding and recognition for GI nursing education and certification to strengthen the specialty workforce.

GET INVOLVED

Take Action for Patient Safety

Your voice shapes the policies that protect patients and support GI nursing professionals. Use these tools to connect with lawmakers, mobilize your community, and advance ASGNA's mission.

Contact Your Legislators

Find your representatives and send a message on key bills affecting endoscopy safety, staffing, and reprocessing standards in minutes.

Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit

Download talking points, letter templates, fact sheets, and social media graphics to rally colleagues and your local community.

Share Your Story

Real experiences from the front lines of GI care make policy personal. Tell us how legislation impacts your patients and practice.

Join the Advocacy Network

Get timely action alerts and legislative updates delivered straight to your inbox.

IMPACT & SUCCESS STORIES

When Nurses Speak Up, Care Gets Safer

Our advocacy turns frontline experience into lasting change. These are a few of the measurable wins our members and partners have made possible for patients and for the profession.

42% fewer

Reprocessing Standards Adopted

After ASGNA-backed endoscope reprocessing guidelines were adopted by partner facilities, reported contamination incidents dropped significantly within two years.

12 states

Sedation Practice Protections

Member testimony and position statements helped clarify nurse-administered sedation scope of practice, safeguarding both patients and the clinicians who care for them.

Age 45

Earlier Cancer Screening Access

Alongside coalition partners, we championed lowering the recommended colorectal screening age, expanding coverage so more patients get life-saving early detection.

Your voice can power the next success story.

Advocacy Resources

Tools to amplify your voice

Use ASGNA's position statements, toolkits, and policy briefs to advocate for safe, high-quality gastroenterology nursing care in your hospital, your community, and with your elected officials.

Position Statements

Official ASGNA positions

Evidence-based statements on staffing, sedation, scope of practice, and infection prevention to cite in policy discussions.

Advocacy Toolkit

Engage your legislators

Step-by-step guides, letter and email templates, talking points, and tips for scheduling meetings with lawmakers.

Patient Safety Guides

Champion safety at work

Practical resources on endoscope reprocessing, safe sedation, and culture-of-safety initiatives for your unit.

Policy Briefs

Stay informed on key issues

Concise summaries of current legislation and regulations affecting GI nurses and the patients they serve.

Need help with your advocacy effort?

Our Advocacy Committee can share guidance, data, and support tailored to your issue.