Following a multi-year effort beginning in 2017, the Assembly approved a historic update to its bylaws, expanding membership eligibility to include licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs).

The June 27, 2026, vote reflects ANA’s and the other states commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce and advancing professional advocacy, and ensures more nurses can access professional resources, community, and representation through ANA.

ANA’s campaign, “The Power of Nurses™ reflected nursing unity, across specialties and settings.  ANA is proud to welcome licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses into our membership community. LVNs and LPNs are essential to patient care and to the strength of our profession,” said ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “By expanding eligibility, we’re building a more inclusive ANA that reflects the full nursing team, resulting in improved outcomes for nurses and the patients and communities we serve.”

The ANA will be reviewing the full effect of the bylaw change that will take place over the coming months as the LPN/LVN model is operationalized. The implementation date is scheduled for July 1, 2027.

WNA Board of Directors will be discussing how to move forward on this issue.