Having a voice for CRNAs in the legislature is incredibly important. On this episode of the podcast, we'll speak with Patrick Ballantine, lobbyist for the NCANA, about what kinds of conversations are happening on the legislative level and how you can get involved in making sure CRNA interests are represented in government.

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Patrick Ballantine served 10 years in North Carolina State Senate, winning all 5 general elections with over 65% of the popular vote.  He was first elected in 1994 and quickly rose through the ranks, being elected the Senate Republican Leader in 1998 and re-elected unanimously in 2000 and 2002.  Under his leadership, the number of Republican Senators in the 50 Member State Senate increased from 11 to 22.

Ballantine also co-sponsored tort reform that would help provide quality affordable health care for all North Carolinians.  He sponsored regulatory reform and welfare-to-work legislation.  Ballantine called for a restructuring of state government which had become bloated, non-responsive, and inefficient.  He was a champion for small businesses and at the same time won environmental awards for his stewardship.  Further, Ballantine established and chaired a statewide committee of diabetes stakeholders to develop a national legislative model to protect and support children with diabetes in schools.

Ballantine is an attorney licensed to practice in State Court, Federal Court, and the United States Supreme Court.  Ballantine graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Political Science, and he received his law degree from the University of Dayton, where he was bestowed the Order of Barristers.