This month, I had the privilege of attending The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA) 2025 Annual Conference in Glendale, Arizona, a gathering of nurse attorneys, compliance leaders, and advocates who live and breathe the intersection of law, nursing, and public protection.

From the very first session, "Professional Licensure Essentials: Protecting Your Nursing Livelihood," the tone was set. This conference wasn't just about legal theory, but about the real-world consequences of regulation for people who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Key Themes and Insights

Over three days of CE and CLE sessions, presenters unpacked nearly every facet of licensure and regulation imaginable.

Public Policy & Professional Voice: Kathryn Busby's session reminded everyone that nurses and nurse attorneys must take an active role in shaping policy, not just reacting to it.
Workforce & Diversity Challenges: Sofia Aragon's "Data Doesn't Lie" presentation underscored how changing demographics demand smarter, more inclusive workforce strategies.
Real-World Risk Management: Jennifer Flynn from Nurses Service Organization (NSO) shared fresh insights from national malpractice and board defense data, emphasizing the growing frequency of board matters and the urgent need for accessible, proactive education.
When Policy Fails: Kelli Lam's deep dive into outdated hospital policies hit close to home; so many disciplinary cases begin with policies that don't match the law.
Substance Use and License Defense: Susan Wagener and Evita Morin reminded us that compassion and structure must coexist when impairment meets investigation.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Cassie Edgar's talk on nurses as innovators, and the legal and IP fundamentals that protect their ideas, was especially inspiring for those of us working at the intersection of law, tech, and access to justice.

By the time Marc Meyer closed with an analysis of Loper Bright, Jarkesy, and Corner Post, everyone in the room could feel how quickly the legal landscape is shifting and how essential it is to stay informed.

Collaboration and Connection

One of the most rewarding parts of the conference was connecting with so many passionate professionals who share a deep belief in protecting licenses, livelihoods, and the dignity of work.

I had meaningful conversations with Jennifer Flynn of NSO about future collaboration opportunities, and with several nurse attorneys who expressed interest in BoardWise Pro, our platform built to streamline the complaint-response process for attorneys and licensed professionals alike.

It was encouraging to hear how aligned we all are in one mission: bringing clarity, confidence, and fairness to the disciplinary process.

Why This Matters

The discussions at TAANA reinforced exactly why BoardWise exists. Behind every complaint or board investigation is a person—often a nurse, teacher, or professional—who deserves guidance that's calm, clear, and grounded in law.

Seeing nurse attorneys and regulators come together to talk about policy reform, legal education, and technology's role in reducing fear and confusion gives me immense hope for the future of professional regulation.

Looking Ahead

I left the 2025 TAANA Conference energized, grateful, and more determined than ever to keep building bridges between law, nursing, and technology.

To everyone I met, thank you for your insights, your warmth, and your courage. Let's keep the collaboration going.