AANP Region 6 Leadership Meeting May 1st,2010

Empowerment ,leadership ,collegiality , inspirational are a few of the words that was brought to mind as I sat in a conference room with representatives from five different ,states ,Louisiana ,Arkansas ,New Mexico, Oklahoma , and of course Texas. Our state as one member commented known for big hair, cowboys, and blue jeans. State representative presented issues and progress in legislative regulations that govern our practice. Our State representative is Emily Merrill PHD, RN, FNP, BC, CNE, and Associate Professor Texas Tech University.

Meeting Content

• Margaret Dean Region 6 Director AANP performed Welcome & Introduction

• Dr Jan Towers Directory of Health Policy Federal Government & Professional Affairs, AANP – presented national legislative and practice issues .Topics included health care reform. recognition of NP as primary care providers ,nondiscrimination by legislative laws and insurance companies ,recognition as independent practitioners for medical home ,independent home (geriatric), removal of current barriers ,the increasing APN workforce, the Patient Provision & Affordable Care Act HR3590 and its content including timelines for fruition ,NP state issues –primary care issues, Independence at Home ,medical home pilot ,nurse manage clinics ,Accountable Care Organization ,Graduate Nurse Education, Advanced Practice Education Organiaztion,Durable Medical Equipment, Independent Payment Advisory Board ,Insurance Exchanges –compact state ,Medicaid ,Health IT ,APN reimbursement and regulation ,Appropriations ,Incident to. Also the AMA Document –Scope of Practice NP (A MUST READ).

• Representatives AANP Tay Kopanos and Tim Kinellter –provided update on AAPN organization ,present projects ,and NP national issues and recommendations

• Each state presented their specific issues as attendees provided support and recommendations

Beyond our day to day practice, there are APN leaders working towards and fighting for our ability to practice independently, prescriptive authority, non discrimination, along with recognition as primary care and specialty care providers. As we experience our community, work along side of our colleagues, mentor students, and provide health care services, be aware, be inspired, be motivated, become a member of your local, state and national organization. We are all working towards the same goal but need to be empowered to perform, there is nothing more powerful than one single voice.

There was so much information I know that I have not covered all the issues but once I have received an update of the meeting content I will post on our website Dorothy Darby