American Nurses Association approves membership for LPNs and LVNs in a landmark decision
Washington, DC
27 June 2026
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has approved a major change to its bylaws, opening full membership to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).
Delegates at the ANA Membership Assembly voted in favour of the amendment on 27 June. The decision marks a significant shift for the organisation, which has historically limited individual membership to registered nurses.
The decision
The new bylaws will allow LPNs and LVNs to join the ANA either through their state nurses association or as ANA-only members where applicable. Full implementation is expected to take several months as the association finalises the operational model.
Until the new system is active, LPNs and LVNs cannot yet join at the national level, although several state associations have already begun accepting them as members.
Background to the change
The vote follows years of discussion and a successful pilot programme launched in 2017. That pilot allowed some state nurses associations to accept LPNs and LVNs as state-level members. Positive results from the pilot, along with support from constituent associations, led to today’s national expansion.
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LPNs and LVNs play a vital role in direct patient care across hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and community settings. The ANA stated that the change recognises their contribution and aims to create a more inclusive professional body.
Leadership reaction
ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy welcomed the outcome.
“The power of nurses is in our unity, across specialties and settings,” she said. “Today ANA is proud to welcome licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses into our membership community. LPNs and LVNs are essential to patient care and to the strength of our profession.”
She added that the move would help build “a more inclusive ANA that reflects the full nursing team”.
What this means for nursing
The decision broadens representation within one of the largest nursing organisations in the United States. It reflects a growing recognition that professional unity across all levels of nursing strengthens advocacy and improves outcomes for both nurses and patients.
For nurses globally, including those in Africa, the move highlights the benefits of inclusive professional structures. Organisations that represent the complete nursing workforce are better positioned to advocate effectively and support workforce development.
Next steps
LPNs and LVNs who wish to join the ANA should check the official website in the coming months for updated membership options and application details.
Nurses in states that already offer LPN membership may experience a smoother transition once national membership becomes available.
The ANA has not yet released specific details on membership categories or fees for the new group.
Fellow Nurses Africa News will continue to follow this development and its implications for the wider nursing community.
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Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
