II. Protocol for Initiation and Approval of New Position Papers

1. All ideas for a new Position Paper (PP) should be requested on an official Application form for New Position Paper. This form is available at IntNSA Headquarters and on our website. (See attachment)
2. This request should be sent back to IntNSA Headquarters, where IntNSA Executive Director will research for any existing PP regarding this topic. IntNSA Executive Director will forward application request to current IntNSA Board PP Representative and the Position Paper Committee (PPC) members, along with a copy of existing PP.
3. The PPC will review and forward their recommendations to the IntNSA Board Representative who will bring to the IntNSA Board to approve request as appropriate. The IntNSA Board Representative will then return the application to PPC for follow up.
4. The PP committee will encourage the Position Paper requester to work with experts in the area. The requester(s) for PP will initiate the writing of the PP and identify the group leader. The position paper topic and work group will be listed in IntNSA Today and on the website to allow the membership an opportunity for input.
5. All working documents must be clearly identified as a “draft” with the current date to ensure accurate tracking of the progress.
6. The completed PP will be sent back to the IntNSA headquarters to be distributed to the IntNSA Board PP Representative and the PP committee. It is the responsibility of the PP Requester group leader to see that the PP is completed within 6 months of the request’s approval by the IntNSA Board
7. A Position Paper Peer Review Board (PPPRB), made up of IntNSA membership will review the PP, and either approve, or suggest changes.
8. Once approved by the PPPRB, the PP will be submitted to the IntNSA Board PP Representative who will bring to IntNSA Board of Directors of IntNSA for their approval, disapproval, or recommended changes. A two-thirds majority of the Board is required for approval.
9. Once the Board of Directors approves the PP, it will be published in IntNSA Today. The membership will be given 30 days form date of mailing to respond with comments to the to the National office. The IntNSA Board will review all comments and release PP for publication or hold for further review. When the PP is released for publication it will be posted on the IntNSA web site.

1. Essential elements: All position papers must include the title of the paper, introductory statement identifying the International Nurses Society on Addictions as it relates to the paper, an organized presentation of the issue with a stated position(s) by IntNSA, references, and authors. Also a proposed plan of action for the PP is requested at this time.
2. Standardized format: Upon approval by the IntNSA Board, the staff will finalize the document in a standardized format including 1) International Nurses Society on Addictions, Position Paper noted on upper left corner, 2) the essential elements, 3) IntNSA Board of Directors Approval Date, 4) IntNSA mailing address, telephone and FAX numbers, and E-mail address, and 5) copyright information.
3. Copyright: All IntNSA position papers will be copyrighted by IntNSA. All position papers are reproducible.

1. Listing IntNSA Exec. Director in conjunction with designated IntNSA Board Representative should maintain a current listing of all IntNSA position papers including the title and date of approval. The date of the listing should be noted at the bottom of the list and updated as new or revised papers are added to the list. The current list should be included in all new membership packets, at our annual educational conferences, on our Web page and in our IntNSA directory to ensure that our members are aware of these position papers. The list should also be available upon request to outside organizations, institutions, or individuals.
2. Reproduction: IntNSA members are permitted to reproduce our position papers in their approved format when used at conferences or meetings with the public, legislators, other nurses, or other healthcare professionals to share IntNSA’s expertise. This can serve as a marketing tool for our organization. IntNSA's name may not be used on a Position Paper reproduction that has been in altered in any way.
3. Specific Plans: IntNSA’s position papers can serve to educate others, influence policy (public or private), and/or serve as a point of discussion at nursing schools, and local, regional or national conferences interested in the topic. The subject and nature of the document will influence the plan. Some ideas to consider include, but are not limited to: publication in professional journals or public interest magazines, distribution to specialty nursing organizations or other professional organizations, distribution to schools of nursing, and to local, state or national legislators, If this is a paper that can serve in the education of other nurses or other disciplines the plan may be to pursue publication in an appropriate journal. If the paper takes a position on a political issue, the plan may be for members to take it to their state or national legislators. If the paper concerns nursing education, the plan should include distributing the paper to schools of nursing and/or the ANA. Tracking and reporting of the progress of the plan will be expected by the PPC in conjunction with the IntNSA Board PP Representative and IntNSA headquarters Exec. Director.

V. Review and Revision of IntNSA's Position Papers

1. Position papers will be reviewed every 3 years and revised as necessary.
2. Position papers should be research based and updated as appropriate
3. Persons who have expertise in the areas of the Position will be recruited via IntNSA Today newsletter or by a IntNSA member to review, revise and update the position.
4. Review person and/or committee will have position revised within 3 months
5. Reviewed but not revised papers will include date of review following the date of initial approval.
6. All revised position papers must have a two-thirds majority approval by the IntNSA Board of Directors.
7. All revised position papers must be written in the standardized format, include the essential elements, and noted as “Revised” with the date.
8. The older version(s) of all position papers will be kept on file in the National Office for IntNSA’s records.

1. A position paper may be rescinded if a member of IntNSA identifies a clear problem with the content that may occur as the organization’s relative philosophy changes or new research indicates our position is incorrect.
2. The request for rescinding a position paper must be made in writing with rationale and sent to the Executive Director who will notify the Board of Directors and Position Paper Committee.
3. The Position Paper Committee can make recommendations to the IntNSA Board. If the Board acknowledges a problem with the existing position paper, an announcement informing the membership of the issue and that distribution of the paper will be suspended until final review and vote by the IntNSA board. The members will have 30 days from the notification date on the letter to respond with their comments to the National Office.
4. The Executive Director will be responsible to forward all member feedback to the Board of Directors. Following review by the Board, the decision to rescind a position papers must have a two-thirds majority approval by the Board of Directors.
5. If rescinded, this will be communicated in IntNSA Today to the membership and will no longer be distributed to members or the public.
6. The rescinded paper will continue to be included in our position paper listing followed by “Rescinded” and the date.
7. The National Office will keep the original for IntNSA’s records along with the rationale for rescinding and final vote.