The Council of National Nursing Association Representatives (CNR) is the governing body of ICN. As defined in the ICN Constitution, CNR is charged:
- To provide policy direction to fulfil the objectives of ICN.
- To establish categories of membership and determine their rights and obligations as well as dues.
- To act upon recommendations of the Board of Directors relating to admission and readmission of member associations into ICN.
- To receive and consider information from the Board regarding ICN activities since the last CNR.
- To receive nominees for the Board and to elect the Board.
- To act upon proposed amendments to the ICN Constitution.
- To act upon recommendations of the Board of Directors for the amount of NNA dues.
- To act through mail, written, or electronic communication on ICN business that requires immediate attention by the CNR between meetings.
- To act upon recommendations for the dissolution of the ICN.
Members of the CNR are National Nursing Association Representatives, selected by a member association to be its representative. This individual is often the president of the association and must meet the ICN definition of a nurse. Additional members of member associations often accompany the National Representative to the CNR to provide support.
The CNR meets every two years, usually immediately before the ICN Congress. The CNR meeting is chaired by the ICN President as presiding officer.