In 2009, AACN created the Policy Luminary Award to recognize an outstanding nursing leader for his or her public policy achievements. To be eligible for the award, the candidate’s work must have made a significant impact in transforming policy to improve the health of the nation. In March of 2016, the Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee, approved to change the name of the AACN Policy Luminary Award to the AACN Lois Capps Policy Luminary Award in recognition of Representative Capps’ monumental leadership to advance health care and the nursing profession at the federal level. AACN’s Health Policy Advisory Council selects a slate of candidates for the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) for their consideration and vote. The Board of Directors must approval the final candidate.
The award is presented annually at the AACN's Academic Nursing Leadership Conference.
Selected awardees must be a registered nurse who meets at least two of the following criteria:
For more information, contact AACN Director of Policy Brenda Baker at bbaker@aacnnursing.org.
In October 2022, this award was presented to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, RN, the first registered nurse elected to Congress and a leading champion for federal legislation focused on supporting nurses and nurse educators.