Hello All,

My name is Rachel Ness; if you happen to miss the last chapter meeting I was (unofficially) appointed the legislative liaison chair, which I am very happy to fill! It’s been a while since we have received any updates, so I will try and stay as current as I possibly can. A little bio about me: I’m currently a 3rd year DNP-PNP student at MUSC (graduating in May!!!), and currently work in the NICU at Winnie Palmer. I’m excited to update everyone with the most current legislative news.
First of all, I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for joining our local chapter of NAPNAP or any professional organizations support rights of ARNP’s. This is the #1 way best way to get your voiced heard and support rights to expand our scope. Some of you may know, that not all regions have a local chapter or meetings in which there voiced is heard and information can be shared! So thank you again!

Updates: FNA Lobby Days: Setting the Record Straight
March 19th and 20th Residence Inn, Tallahassee
Lobby Days is an opportunity for nurses to fight for the health of the community & the future of nursing by advocating for their patients & their profession at the capital. Attendees of Lobby Days can choose to actively lobby by visiting their representatives and/or attend educational and networking sessions. Lobby efforts will be limited to those nurses that express an interest in doing so (meaning, you can attending the conference, but do not have to lobby, if you don’t wish). Nurses who wish to lobby will have trainings opportunities through one of two webinars that will take place before the Lobby Days. First one is planned for January 11th at 2:00 PM or February 4th at 7:00 PM, so if this is something you are interested in please check it out!  
More info: http://www.floridanurse.org/newsEvents/conferences.asp; for registration, accommodations and an agenda

Inside the Beltway: Don’t forget that NAPNAP publishes a monthly health policy issue For the Dec. issue: http://www.napnap.org/Docs/InsidetheBeltway/InsidetheBeltwayDecember2012.pdf
NAPNAP will host its annual Child Health Policy Advocacy Orientation and Capitol Hill Day on March 18-19, 2013. If you are interested in learning about advocacy and visiting your Senators and Representatives in Washington, please email healthpolicy@napnap.org. Resources: 
Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FLNAP): http://www.flanp.org/
BIG ISSUES for FL ARNP’s: (goal will be to address these issues this year) 1) Eliminating barriers to our scope of practice .The National Governors Association released a report this week encouraging states to look at removing scope of practice barriers on NPs as a way to address the looming primary care shortage caused by the Affordable Care Act. 12/27/12                Report: http://www.flanp.org/images/nga%20role%20of%20nurse%20practitioners.pdf
2)      Lift bans off ARNP’s Prescribing Controlled Substances; remember we are only ONE of TWO states that do not allow this!!  
3)      Included ARNP’s in the Florida Insurance Act = increase access to care for our patients
4)      Have ARNP's be a recognized provider and be directly reimbursed for those with Medicaid and Medicare insurance
Florida Action Committee: http://campaignforaction.org/state/florida
The Florida Action Coalition is the driving force implementing the Institute of Medicine report recommendations and transforming health care through nursing in our state. Understanding that Florida has specific health care challenges and needs, we are working with diverse stakeholders to create and model innovative solutions with nurses leading the way.
Kudos!!Baker Act Bill was filed in both the house and senate this past December! Updates on the bills progess coming soon!
Upcoming next Month!Section to find your legislators! 
 

Please feel free to contact me at anytime with any questions or additional input you would like to see. Thanks!
-Rachel N.  rnn78@yahoo.com or nessr@musc.edu