FLANP Meets with Governor Scott

FLANP Meets with Governor Scott

Governor Scott and Stan Whittaker

Stan Whittaker, Board Chair of FLANP sat down with Governor Scott today to discuss NP issues. 

Whittaker was able to meet with the Governor before going into work as an ER NP in rural Florida.  

Whittaker spoke at length with Governor Scott and fellow citizens about how restrictive regulations are forcing ARNP owned primary care clinics to close. The governor listened intently and voiced concern for the citizens of  Florida. Many local legislators and republican committee chairs were on hand and also expressed deep concern about the situation.

Legislature Requests Your Testimony 

Rep. Oliva

The Florida Legislature is asking NPs to testify in committee meetings about how restrictions are hurting Floridians. January committee weeks are Jan 6 and January 13. Work force committee will meet on Jan. 10 from 9:00am tp 12:00 noon. Generally the exact time of a particular committee's schedule is not know until one week before they are scheduled to meet.  If you can come to Tallahassee and testify,, please email us at contact@flanp.org  

As we start this legislative session , we are in the best position yet to move our agenda to improve patients access to health care forward. FLANP has worked hard to change the perception of ARNPS in Tallahassee. The Florida House of Representatives has recently become supportive of ARNPS practicing independently at their full scope of education and training. The need to increase our health care workforce and introduce competition into health care has struck a chord with the House.

 Recognizing that Florida is lagging behind the country and has one of the worst primary care shortages in the nation, House Leaders have come to the correct conclusion that ARNPs are a viable resource that is being underutilized in our state.

The Florida Senate has mixed support. Many senators support the House ideas, but some in Senate leadership are resistant. Special interest medical groups continue to donate heavily into Senate leadership campaigns. FLANP continues to reach out to senators in an effort effect change.

We need your involvement if we are to make a difference. IF you cannot attend a committee week, please consider making a donation to support our work.

AANP Research Study Requests Your Help.

 The Direct Observation of Nurse Practitioner Care (DONPC) study involves direct observation of NP/patient visits by a research nurse, survey reports completed by NPs about the patient visits and brief patient post-visit surveys to capture the patient perspective.  The purpose of this research is to find out how time is spent during a visit with a Nurse Practitioner and to see if the patient feels able to manage their health after the visit. 

If you would like to be part of this study please email Lydia Riley, MPH Research Coordinator, American Association of Nurse Practitioners lriley@aanp.org 

Preceptor Needed in Gainesville

One of our student members needs a preceptor in the Gainesvillle area She is a South University ANP student. Please email her if you can help.

AANP Requests We Contact Congress

Members of Congress Voice Support for VHA's Decision to Recognize NPs as Licensed Independent Practitioners (LIPs)

AANP reports that nursing Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Lois Capps (CA-D) and David Joyce (OH-R) will be sending a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki urging the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to move forward with their plan of recognizing NPs as LIPs nationwide.  This would allow NPs and other APRNs to work to their full scope of practice and give the VHA the flexibility to utilize all providers within the health care team throughout the country, maximizing resources and providing optimal care.

AANP asks that we please contact our Members of Congress today and ask them to sign this important letter by www.flanp.org.

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For More Info on Membership go to www.flanp.org