AONE Honors Congresswoman Lois Capps

The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) announced today it will present U.S. Rep. Lois Capps with the AONE Distinguished Special Award for Nursing at a reception following AONE’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. on May 18, 2016. Capps, who is retiring at the end of the current Congress, is being honored for her commitment to nursing and creating a healthier America.

“Congresswoman Capps is a longtime champion of nursing,” said AONE President Maureen Swick. “She has spearheaded legislation to address the national nursing shortage and fund vital nursing workforce development programs. She is a true collaborator and respected leader in Congress. Her contributions to health care are numerous; she will be greatly missed.”

Capps is one of five nurses serving in Congress. Before serving 18 years in Congress, Capps spent 20 years as a nurse and public health advocate for the Santa Barbara, Calif., school district. Capps serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over health care issues. Additionally, she sits on the Health, Energy and Power, and Environment and the Economy subcommittees. Her extensive health care background informs her work in Congress; she founded and serves as the co-chair of the House Nursing Caucus.

“It is a true honor to be recognized by my nursing colleagues at the American Organization of Nurse Executives,” Capps said. “I have often said that nurses are the leaders of our health care system. They are at the forefront of health care delivery, and continue to lead the way in improving health outcomes. Throughout my time in Congress I have been honored to work with so many strong nurse leaders to promote our profession and improve care for our patients. And even though I am retiring, know that I will continue to partner with groups like AONE to equip the next generation of nurses with the best tools, training and skills they need to continue making a difference.” 

In 2003, Capps was honored with AONE’s Honorary Member Award, which recognizes a person who has made a noteworthy contribution to health care and to nursing leadership practice.

About the American Organization of Nurse Executives
AONE is the national professional organization for nurses who design, facilitate and manage care. With more than 9,700 members, AONE is the leading voice of nursing leadership in health care. Since 1967, the organization has provided leadership, professional development, advocacy and research to advance nursing practice and patient care, promote nursing leadership excellence and shape public policy for health care. AONE is a subsidiary of the AHA. For more information, visit www.aone.org.