Professional advocacy through nursing organizations | NURSING | Chamberlain College of Nursing

Nursing has over 200 professional organizations, special interest groups, and coalitions dedicated to the interest of nursing. For this discussion:

1. Examine a nursing organization to determine the political function of the organization.

As we reflect on the state of nursing in our local, state, and national communities, we are able to identify a nursing shortage with the likelihood of continued deficit.  Oftentimes, health policy is created and approved without input from nursing, which is one reason nursing organizations, nurse leaders, and nurse educators must work alongside each other to move forward with a deliberate strategic vision (Turale, 2019).  I reviewed the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (OAAPN) for this assignment.  The political goal of the OAAPN is to support APRNs in their quest to provide the best possible care to the patients we serve.  As a member, I receive updates on any changes or trends at the state and national level, as well as updates to the legislative activity the organization is working on.

1. Discuss three legislative initiatives supported by the organization.

The initiative getting the most attention in our state is House Bill 221, The Enact Better Access, Better Care Act.  This is not the first go-round with this bill that looks to expand access to healthcare services by getting rid of Ohio’s Standard Care Arrangement (SCA

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is another legislative initiative that the OAAPN supports.  This act increases access to care by reducing barriers, allowing APRNs to certify and recertify home health care services for Medicare patients, and expanded covered home care services such as skilled care, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Another initiative we are discussing in our Advanced Practice Provider (APP) council is House Bill 191 which clarifies the scope of practice of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) to write orders and moves their practice forward.

3. Define your position on each of the initiatives and whether you agreed with the organization’s position and advocacy platform.

HB 221- In Ohio, we practice independently, but still must have a collaboration agreement on file with the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) to practice. I am in complete support of the removal of the SCA.  APRNs provide competent, compassionate, cost-efficient care, and removing the requirement to have an SCA with a physician will update the law and positively impact health policy.  In rural areas of Ohio, often the only available provider is an APRN, and it is often difficult, and costly to find a physician willing to enter an SCA with them.  That provides a significant challenge for patients when seeking care. (Peterson, 2017).

CARES Act- I am in complete support of this initiative and recognize how impactful it has been in my quest as an APRN seeking home services for my patients. Prior to the CARES act, I would have to rely on my collaborating physician to sign off any home care orders that I placed. This often created a barrier to the timely implementation of needed services. This is one of many factors that negatively impact an APRN’s ability to successfully care for patients on their own panels.

HB 191- Nationwide, there has been a growing initiative to allow all APPs to practice at the fullest extent of their license, and Ohio is no different (Poghosyan, 2017). I support this initiative and my APP colleagues in advancing the scope of their practice. The passage of this bill will allow efficient and cost-effective anesthesia care to all individuals, allowing CRNAs to practice in alignment with their education, experience, and APP peers

1. Compose a Tweet that reflects your position on the legislative initiative, remembering the 140-character limit. Be concise. Share your Tweet in the discussion.

Join #OhioAPRNs in promoting affordable, accessible quality #healthcare for all Ohioans. Learn more at #OAAPN Please let the house know #NPsRock

REFERENCES

Peterson M. (2017). Barriers to practice and the impact on health care: A nurse practitioner focus. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 8(1), 74–81.

Poghosyan, L., Liu, J., & Norful, A. (2017). Nurse practitioners as primary care providers with their own patient panels and organizational structures: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 74, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.05.004 (Links to an external site.)

Turale, S. (2019). The contribution of nurses to health policy and advocacy requires leaders to provide training and mentorship. International Nursing Review, 66(3), 302–304. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12550

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