UNAP is committed to improving the health care system through the political process.  As a Union of health care professionals, our members stand as leaders in the fight to defend quality care and protect professional standards against a health care system that is increasingly driven by market forces and monetary greed.  We are committed to advocating for a humane health care system that offers accessible, affordable, quality care for all.  We seek to play a role in the search for solutions to our society's health care crisis, and we are committed to bringing the perspective of direct care givers to the process.   

The UNAP lobbies on important health care legislation, advocates for adequate funding of health care services, and seeks to elect politicians who share the goals and vision of our Union.   The UNAP lobbies for vital legislation that will expand access to health care, ensure safe patient care, and protect the interests of our members and our patients.  We strive to raise public awareness of important health care issues.

Click here to contact your elected officials.



The UNAP is currently working on the following legislative issues:

Mandatory overtime - This bill was passed into law in 2007!

• Click here for a detailed summary of the mandatory overtime law
• Click here for a copy of the mandatory overtime law
• UNAP Fact sheet
• Fogarty Urges Action on Legislation to End Mandatory Overtime for Nurses (6/21/06)  
• Research
  •  The Working Hours of Hospital Staff Nurses and Patient Safety (Health Affairs, July/Aug, 2004)
  • Researchers Say Health Problems, Fatigue Related to Long Work Hours, On-Call Duty  (Daily Labor Report, 11/3/06) 

Safe Patient Handling  - This bill was passed into law in 2006!

•  Read the new law:
  • House bill H-7386 (Diaz) 
  • Senate bil S-2760 (Sosnowski)
• Publications 
  • UNAP fact sheet
  • Expert testimony (Jamie Tessler, MPH) 
  • American Nurses Association position paper
  • Safe Patient Handling (Report by AFT Healthcare)
  • Wall Street Journal article

Hospital Staffing Disclosure - This bill was passed into law in 2005!

• UNAP Fact sheet
• Read the law
• Research
  • The business case for safe staffing (Jan/Feb, 2006)
• Listen to the safe staffing radio ad (.mp3 - 940 kb)
  

The UNAP also works closely with allied organizations in Ocean State Action and Working Rhode Island

UNAP Endorsements

UNAP lends support to candidates for political office who have demonstrated and/or assured our Union that they share our commitment to safe, quality health care for all; and respect, dignity and justice for working people.  The UNAP opposes candidates who have actively opposed our interests.  UNAP support to candidates includes financial contributions, volunteers, and communications to UNAP members and others.

Click here to see UNAP endorsements.