CAP-Pac Legislative Update
Posted over 14 years ago by Stanley F Whittaker
Moving Forward
Governor Scott and CAP-PAC Board Member Janice Hoff
ARNPs Continue to Push Forward!
The last two weeks of December continued to see a flurry of legislative activity from ARNPs including a meeting with Gov Scott and testimony to his transition team. In addition, several members attended local delegation meetings and spoke about how ARNPs can increase access and save the state money if barriers are removed. CAP-PAC was also invited to participate in a press conference with Florida Chain and Families USAwhich lead to a radio interview in Panama City.
In each of these cases, our message about APRNs delivering safe high quality cost effective care and the need to remove barriers to increase access to that care was delivered. And we are being heard. (See the article on the meeting with the Governor below.)
It is imperative that we continue to let the public hear our message. We especially need to educate the voters in the districts of those members of the senate and house health care committees. These committees have a long tradition of restricting access to health care by refusing to even let our bills be heard or debated.
How will we do this? We will employ the same successful peaceful and professional techniques used through out history. We will hold public awareness rallies and media events to get out the message. We will let the plight of our patients be heard and seen. It is no longer acceptable in this day and age to allow the needless medical suffering of millions of Floridians.
Together we will be Victorious!
Governor Scott Hears Us!
CAP-PAC Board Member Janice Hoff Spoke to Gov-elect Scott and gave his aide an informational packet "He seemed aware of the issues and actually finished my sentence about removal of barriers...with me." said Hoff who was able to rearrange her busy schedule as a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner to attend the meet and greet." My sense was that Governor Scott is hearing us and our efforts are becoming more and more effective." Hoff was also able to meet with Attorney General Pam Bondi and discussed access to care issues with her as well. " We need to continue to be visible using media and public events to show the voters just how far behind Florida is compared to the rest of the country" Hoff went on to say. " We need to stop the needless suffering and waste of taxpayer money."
CAP-PAC Testifies Before Transition Team
Chairman Stan Whittaker has been working diligently behind the scenes. Stan was successful in reaching out to the health care transition committee and shared hundreds of pages of research data on APRNS with them.
As a result of his out reach, Whittaker was asked to come and testify before the transition team health care committee. "I spoke at length about how I practiced completely independently in Alaska and had full prescriptive authority and a DEA number. I shared the horror stories of patients I have cared for in the rural areas of Florida needing to wait for treatment because of my inability to prescribe controlled substances, I have prescribed these same medications in Alaska and can prescribe them in 48 other states" said Whittiker.
"We also discussed how protocol requirements actually decrease access to health care by limiting who the APRN can treat. I spoke about the need for APRNs to be able to involuntarily commit suicidal patients, and sign death certificates as other important areas that need change in order to increase health care access." Whittaker said he had push back from some members of the team who were physicians associated with the FMA. "Overall, I was able to get our message across and there was agreement with many members. We are being taken seriously as an important part of the health care solution. It was a good day for APRNs in Florida".
CAP-PAC Participates in Tallahassee Media Rally and Radio Interview
Janie Hoff speaks at rally
CAP-PAC was invited by FLCHAIN to participate in a media rally about the Affordable Care Act. The Rally took place in Pensacola across the street from the Courthouse. Board member Janice Hoff spoke about the need for access to health care and how APRNS can increase that care if barriers are removed. Families USA also participated in the rally and asked Janice if she would appear on a radio show the next morning. "I was happy to be able to discuss the access to care issues on the radio" Hoff said. "It was an incredible opportunity for us."
Legislative Delegation Testimony
Several Advanced Practice Nurses were able to attend local legislative delegation meetings. Pat Wahrenberger attended the Orange County Legislative Delegation Meeting. Although she was unable to speak, she was able to distribute talking points to attendees. Stan Whittaker attended Bay County and Janice Hoff attended both the Bay County and the Escambia County Delegation Meetings as invited speakers. Board members Cindy Drew, Jeff Hazzard and Beverly Douglas also attended their county meetings. Rosemary Ligouri attended the Volusia County meeting where Janice Hess spoke to the delegation.
"It is so necessary for us to continue to put these issues front and center to the legislature" said Ligouri. Although not all members were able to testify, all legislators received packets of information about the issues.
click here to read the Escambia meeting report
Legislative Team plans for Rallies
The Legislative team is planning a series of Rallies accross the state to raise voter awareness of patient suffering because of barriers to ARNP practice.
These rallies are part of a direct action strategy to rasie media and public awareness. Please watch for more information.
NEXT TEAM MEETING JANUARY 8TH AT 7:30 AM EST
RSVP to slynch@cap-pac.org
Legislative Team Meeting January 8th
Next legislative team meeting is January 8th 7:30 AM EST
RSVP slynch@cap-pac.org
New England Journal of Medicine
Broadening the Scope of Nursing Practice
New England Journal of Medicine
December 15, 2010 posted an editorial supporting Advanced Practice Nurses:
Broadening the Scope of Nursing Practice
House of Representative Committee Assignments
The assignments to the house committees have been named. click here to see the assignments
CAP-PAC Sustainability Campaign:
WE NEED YOU!
Our membership continues to grow. Many people are joining our proactive efforts to change health care in Florida.
It is important that we build a solid financial base to sustain these efforts.
We are seeking members who would consider donating $25 or more a month to keep these efforts going. Our ability to hire strong lobbyists and continue an active media campaign depends on member donations.
Each board member has given over $1000 a piece in addition to their time and talents. Won't you consider joining them in these efforts?
For the cost of a cup of coffee a day, you too can sustain this campaign.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people CAN change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Meade
Our web site has been updated. Check it out!
Please help us spread the word about CAP-PAC and forward this to a friend
Sincerely,
The Florida Council of Advanced Practice Nurses PAC
Together We Will Be Victorious!
Comments
No comments yet.
Only active members can comment on this announcement.
To inquire about membership, please contact us.