American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Liaison Framework
Introduction
The Department of Professional Practice is responsible for the comprehensive oversight
of the liaison program and processes. This process includes fiscal management,
identifying and developing new opportunities, review, revision and evaluation of the
existing program and activities, dissemination of information and record keeping.
History
AACN has maintained a liaison program for more than 20 years. Initially, other nursing
associations were our primary contacts and the primary focus was knowledge and
information sharing. Many of those collaborative needs are currently met through
AACN’s membership in the Nursing Organization Alliance, Nursing's Agenda for the
Future collaboration and Organizational Affiliate membership in the American Nurses
Association.
The program has evolved to include a broad spectrum of issues and work such as (but
not limited to) collaboratively developing and endorsing position statements and
standards, providing expert critical care and nursing perspectives, participating in
workshops, think tanks and summits to address current issues, participating in research
activities, developing collaborative relationships with physician groups and other
professional associations and consumer groups and providing representation for
regulatory agency projects on both the Federal and State level.
Included in the liaison program are official professional and ceremonial activities that
require the representation or presence of the AACN President, President-elect and/or
Chief Executive Officer, organizational affiliate dues, and professional donations and
sponsorships.
Purpose
The liaison program is a vehicle used by AACN to further the collaborative dimension of
our mission and vision. Liaison activities aim to directly enhance AACN’s effectiveness
in achieving the goals and objectives of organizational initiatives and to enhance
AACN’s role as the undisputed leader in critical care nursing.
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Goals
AACN’s operational plan drives the formation of the liaison program each year with a
long-term goal of implementing strategies to boldly promote vital strategic platforms and
issues to influence critical care nursing, the environments in which it is practiced and the
care of patients and families. The objectives or desired outcomes of the program are to:
1. Further AACN’s mission and vision through external collaboration within the health
care community.
2. Enhance AACN’s influence and professional reputation by seeking opportunities to
provide leadership in activities that promote professional practice, healthy work
environments and appropriate end-of-life care, address the nursing shortage and
advance the health and welfare of those experiencing critical illness.
3. Advance the profession of nursing and critical care through information sharing and
participation in standard setting activities.
4. Extend AACN resources to a wider audience within the professional community by
providing expert critical care representation and consultation.
5. Enhance AACN’s public policy advocacy efforts through participation in legislative
and regulatory activities at the federal, state and local levels.
Criteria for Activity Selection
Liaison opportunities vary in scope of organizational participation and cost to the
organization. Cost /benefit consideration is included in the selection process. The
activity should meet one or more of the following criteria:

The activity(s) to be supported is related to the strategic/operational plan goals and
objectives to further AACN’s mission and vision.

The activity(s) is related to current issues that enhance the profession and/or
advance critical care nursing.

The activity(s) provides an opportunity for learning and collaborative exchange to
explore strategies and solutions to critical professional and healthcare issues.

The public position and reputation of the requesting organization(s) is compatible
with AACN, its members and the long-term interests of the professional community.

The activity(s) is cost- effective in relation to the current strategic/operational plan,
goals and budget.
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Criteria for Representative Selection
Identification of potential liaisons is based on the activity objectives, scope of work and
expertise required and includes seeking recommendations from the AACN BOD, staff,
volunteers and other appropriate professional sources. The liaison must:

Demonstrate commitment to and understanding of AACN’s mission and vision.

Be a current AACN member with demonstrated expertise or influence in the
particular area required by the activity.
Liaison Roles
AACN Liaisons function in a variety of ways. There are three typical roles a liaison may
perform. Liaisons may be asked to:
1. Serve as a primary information resource to AACN about the designated group or
activity. Responsibilities include:
a) Attending meetings to monitor and obtain information about the activity.
b) Communicating relevant information to AACN in a timely manner.
c) Identifying key questions or implications for AACN.
2. Participate in the activity on behalf of AACN. Responsibilities include:
a) Attending meetings and providing expert critical care representation, pertinent AACN
history and resources as they relate to the group’s agenda.
b) Accurately communicating AACN’s agenda, serving as a bridge between AACN and
the group.
c) Reporting on the activity’s progress, outcomes and implications for AACN in a timely
manner.
3. Officially represent AACN to the designated group, with authority to speak on the
Association’s behalf. Responsibilities include:
a) Attending meetings and articulating AACN’s positions.
b) Responding to the group’s initiatives.
c) Making decisions related to AACN’s involvement and commitment to the group’s
agenda.
d) Reporting on the activity’s progress, outcomes and implications for AACN in a timely
manner.
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Process
Liaison activities are initiated by external invitations and requests or internally by
opportunities pursued by AACN.
1. When a liaison opportunity is identified the opportunity is evaluated internally by
AACN staff using the stated criteria to determine whether to support or participate in
the activity. A recommendation is then forwarded for review to the Chief Executive
Officer.
2. Major new activities initiated by AACN or involving expenses not budgeted for are
subject to Executive and Board of Director (BOD) approval.
3. If a positive determination is made, the liaison role and activity are clarified and an
appropriate AACN liaison is identified and asked to participate on behalf of AACN.
4. Liaisons receive an official letter of appointment from the President if the position is
to take effect during the fiscal year or from the President-elect for the upcoming
fiscal year.
5. Liaisons serve for an appropriate period of time, depending on the outcome of the
activity and the role of the liaison.
6. Liaisons are reimbursed for expenses incurred during the liaison activity according to
the AACN Expense Reimbursement Policy.
7. Liaisons are required to submit a written report on the activity including outcomes
and implications for AACN within 3 weeks.
8. Liaison activity updates are reported to the BOD quarterly.
9. All liaison activities are reviewed at the end of the fiscal year and the next year’s
budget is projected based on ongoing activities, future anticipated activities, dues
and donations.
Approved November 2000
Revised July 2001
Revised June 2003
Revised June 2007
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