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FNPN March-April 2013 Newsletter Bullets

Posted almost 11 years ago by Regina Pommer

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Good Morning!

We would like to bring you up to date on what’s new in your own backyard of Florida. In this newsletter you will find the following:

Contents
  • From the FNPN President
  • 2013 Regional Leadership Meeting
  • Around the State and Around the Nation
  • Legislation Update
  • Education Updates
  • Membership Update 
  • Job Announcement
  • FNPN PAC Update
  • From AANP
  • News You Can Use

Quote of the Month

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
  -Dalai Lama 


From the FNPN President

Doreen Cassarino MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, DNPc

It was my honor to travel to Tallahassee from March 18th-20th as your president and represent you at FNA Lobby Days. Overall the general mood and feel in Tallahassee was different from prior years. There was definitely a more positive view regarding nurse practitioners as the solution to Florida’s healthcare crisis.

Allison Carvajal, FNPN Professional Lobbyist, arranged several meetings and appointments for me with influential legislators so that I could inform them about what is important to the members of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network. I met with Representative Fitzenhagen, the House Dr. Title bill sponsor, to share comments, concerns and feelings that I have received from many FNPN members. Our voices were heard but we need to continue to educate her on this issue so keep the letters flowing!

As arranged by Allison Carvajal, Senator Grimsley took a break for a few moments during a committee meeting so that I could extend the appreciation from the nurse practitioners of Florida regarding the amendment to the Senate Doctor Title bill that she filed. Her amendment ultimately resulted in gutting the bill.

I also had dinner with Senator Detert and met with Representative Hutson the FNPN Physical Therapy Bill sponsors in the Senate and the House respectfully. On your behalf I was able to thank them for their legislative initiatives that improve access to care for the citizens of Florida.

2013 Regional Leadership Meeting: Charting the Course

Your FNPN Board and several supporting members were well represented at the Region 11 AANP Annual Leadership "Charting the Course" In Orlando this Saturday, March 16, 2013. Gail Sadler, AANP State Representative led our delegation along with Doreen Cassarino, FNPN President. Bonnie Sklaren current Co-Chair of the Coalition and Chris Saslo, past chair of the Coalition, shared their long time advocacy experience. Several Florida Fellows attended: Claudia Hauri, Jean Aertker, Jeannie Merritt, Janet Dubois, Cindy Parsons, and Deb Danforth. Representatives of several Florida NP Groups participated or were invited: Vicki Stone-Gail, Angelia Crozier, Ed Neuzil, Heidi Magyar, Karen Blankenship, Susan Porterfield, Susan Lynch, George Smith, Mai Ying Kung, Mary Smolenski, DJ Djenie Helne (NP student), Mary Healy, Deborah Shelby, Diane Wink and Kelly Hawes. The message we want to share with you is this: "We ask legislators, colleagues, consumers, and supporters to help us close the gap in what we can provide and the amount of restrictions placed on our profession in Florida.

All states shared information on the state of their states! Florida (n= 13574 NPs) addressed our current practice and legislative issues. Despite these challenging issues, we found that our SWOT analysis, we hold positive consumer acceptance of the NP, Florida Alabama (n= 4425) shared news about their current bills including Controlled Substance bill and OT prescribing. Mississippi (n=2891) is dealing with attempts to unnecessarily place restriction on NP practice, and Georgia (n= 4611) is working on ordering diagnostic radiography and telehealth restrictions proposed. The big message from all attendees is to ask all NPs to send the message out to their respective states - let’s build 100% membership of all NPs in the AANP! What power this would be!

Around the State and Around the Nation

AANP 2013 Elections are open - Support Jean Aertker
Jean Aertker, FNPN Vice President of Education, is running for AANP Region 11 Director. Please take a minute and vote for one of our own.

Name Alert!!!!

Recently there has been some confusion. Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN) is NOT the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FL APN)! FNPN is the oldest organization that exclusively represents NPs in Florida and we value our members as we continue to grow the network.

FNPN was established in 2002 and chartered in 2003. FNPN believes professionalism begins with academic preparation and continues throughout our careers. FNPN provides a voice and a vote in the decision making processes that affect current and future policies. Policies AFFECT PRACTICE! Nurse Practitioners are viable stakeholders within the healthcare industry. We make a difference!

There are critical concerns affecting the maturity of Advanced Practice Nursing as a profession. Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Clinical Nurse Specialist are accepting opportunities that increase access to health care. Since our beginning, Florida Nurse Practitioner Network has hired a professional lobbyist to represent Nurse Practitioners in Tallahassee! Our lobbyist has the insight and connections necessary to push our platform forward and stay abreast of any changes affecting our profession.

FNPN is one of the four founding organizations forming Florida’s Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses. FNPN’s professional lobbyist represents us and works closely with the lobbyists for Florida Nurses Association, Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse Midwives on behalf of Advanced Practice Nursing issues!

Florida Nurse Practitioner Network invites individuals and groups to become members. Membership is FREE to Student Groups for the FIRST year; $45 to students and retirees, $80 for a two (2) year membership; New or renewing members $80 and for a two (2) year membership $120, which is good through December 2014, or $120 for Group members or Organizations. To Join Click Here

Financial contributions to support Political Actions of our lobbyist on behalf of Florida Nurse Practitioner Network can be made at www.FNPN.org!

Mark your calendar in preparation to CELEBRATE at Florida Nurse Practitioner Network’s 10th Annual Conference May 17th & 18th! Maximize member discounts by visiting www.FNPN.org join the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network today!

White House Petition to Support APRNs - Deadline: April 22, 2013

We wanted to bring to your attention a petition on the White House website asking the Obama administration to remove barriers that prevent APRNs from practicing to their full scope. One hundred thousand signatures are needed by April 22, 2013 to ensure a response from the White House. So far, there are less than 11,000 signatures. Please take a moment out of your busy schedule to consider adding your signature to the petition. Just click here to go directly to the petition on the White House website. It only takes a minute! Please circulate this email widely to your colleagues, students, and friends. We need their support.

Public Radio Host Diane Rehm Does Podcast on Nurse Practitioners

The panel included NP faculty, practicing NP’s as well as family physicians. It is just over 50 minutes. You will find the debate over expanding of NP practice to be a lively one that will provide you with information regarding the national debate related to independent practice for nurse practitioners. Click here for the link! Please send your thank you notes to Diane Rehm for her insight and voice to bring this issue to the nation!! drshow@wamu.org

Diane Rehm reaches over 2.4 million listeners each week, The Diane Rehm Show was named to the Top 10 list of the most powerful programs in public radio for 2007 and 2008, based on its ability to draw listeners to public radio stations. It is the only live call-in talk show on the list. In 2010, Diane Rehm won a Personal Peabody Award (widely considered one of the most prestigious and selective honors in electronic media) for her more than 30 years in public broadcasting.

Legislation Update

Call for Action: Baker Act Bill Idle

Although HB 9 to allow NPs and PAs to sign certificates of involuntary examination under the Baker Act passed unanimously all the way through the house, the companion bill SB 110 has not yet been placed on the agenda in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs committee in the Senate.

Time is running out! Your help is needed to educate Senator Eleanor Sobel, chair of the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs committee, on how important this is for patient access and care and ask her to place it on the committee agenda. It is especially important for those in the senator's district to react to this call for help. Constituents have a greater impact than non-constituents.

We are encouraging you to email, call and fax Senator Sobel’s office. Tell her of your own experiences and frustrations regarding this barrier for patients. Our patients need care and we need to advocate for them.

Support Legislation That Allows For Legal Needle & Syringe Exchange Programs in Florida (SB 808 / HB 735)

Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that syringe exchange programs (SEPs) can play an important role in reducing HIV and viral hepatitis infection and advancing public safety, including the safety of law enforcement officials. For 21 years, federal law prohibited the use of federal funds for SEPs. Since the ban was lifted in 2009, several state and local health authorities have begun to seek and use federal funds for SEPs as part of a broader approach to preventing HIV infections.

Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes currently forbids the transfer of a syringe to a person known to inject illegal drugs. HB 735 (by Rep. Pafford) and SB 808 (by Sen. Margolis) would allow the Florida Department of Health to establish or authorize Syringe Exchange Programs and protect participants from chapter 893. This legislation is a non partisan, public health issue with significant cost saving potential. Please contact your local legislators and let them know you support this bill.

H.R. 485 The National Nurse Act of 2013

Nurses across all specialty areas of practice and their professional organizations are mobilizing behind a continued strengthening effort to have a National Nurse for Public Health. H.R. 485 The National Nurse Act of 2013, introduced by Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson D-TX and Peter King R-NY has now garnered strong bipartisan support that includes 39 co-sponsors.

Supporters of HR 485, including the Florida Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, know that there is still a long way to go, but recognize this is a great beginning. The beauty of this bill is it does not require any additional appropriation of funds nor does it duplicate existing services, but instead utilizes existing resources to begin a much needed mainstream focus on PREVENTION.” Escalating healthcare costs and rising rates of preventable diseases will be slowed as nurses in every community, with guidance from the National Nurse advocate and provide prevention efforts that will improve health outcomes. Slowing chronic diseases can reduce Medicare and Medicaid costs by avoiding the costly consequences of obesity, inactivity, diabetes and hypertension.

HR 485 is a unifying concept that crosses all specialty practice settings. The bill designates the current position of CNO of the USPHS, a long-term expert uniformed service professional, with the authority to emphasize evidence-based prevention to improve public health. If Congress approves, a visible National Nurse for Public Health/CNO, respected and recognized by the nation, will be an impetus to promote local interventions, strengthen the Medical Reserve Corps, and bolster public health infrastructure by mobilizing willing nurses and other health professionals to work with their local community programs to increase prevention. More information, including templates for phone calls and letters is available at http://nationalnurse.org. Please consider contacting your US Representative to urge them to co-sponsor H.R 485, The National Nurse Act of 2013. Let your elected officials know you want to see preventive health services delivered to every American by the most trusted health service providers-Nurses!

Education Updates:

Apr 19
State Surgeon General Symposium - Florida's System of Cancer Care
Friday, April 19 2013 at 10:00am ET in Tallahassee, FL

Apr 19
The Medical Entrepreneur Symposium
Friday, April 19 2013 at 12:00pm ET in Delray Beach, FL

Apr 20
6th Annual Primary Care Conference in Paradise
Saturday, April 20 2013 at 8:15am ET in Key West, FL

Apr 20
PA’s & NP’s of the Keys 6th Annual Primary Care Conference in Paradise
Saturday, April 20 2013 at 8:15pm ET in Key West, FL

Apr 26
Florida Gulf Coast GAPNA 2013 CE Symposium
Friday, April 26 2013 at 3:30pm ET in St Petersburg, FL

May 17
FNPN 10th Annual NP Clinical Conference
Friday, May 17 2013 at 12:00pm ET in Lake Buena Vista, FL

For more information on the upcoming conference click here

Please check for important educational opportunities posted on our website at www.fnpn.org

Job Announcements!

There have been many new job postings around the state on our website at www.fnpn.org for those of you that may have an interest. On our new website, the most recent postings are on the front page. A new feature will allow postings to be visible for 90 days. Please feel free to pass this along to your colleagues who may be interested in it as well, or who may have an interest in finding out more about our network. For those of you that have found jobs on our website, please be sure to let us know!

Do you know an employer who might find the FNPN Job posting a worthwhile site? If so, please be sure to tell them about the website and the fact that on average 20 or more jobs are posted each month. The traffic to our website is incredible and we have more and more folks seeking employment through this site than ever before. Let them know you saw it on the FNPN Website!

Membership Update

Pamela V Johnson - Membership Chair

The Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN) is a non-profit organization created in 2003 to foster advanced education relating to clinical and legislative enhancement of Nurse Practitioners practicing throughout Florida. Ten years ago, our founders envisioned an organization that would provide opportunities for Advanced Practice Nurses in the State of Florida to network, thus sharing ideas and developing strategic plans to examine and maximize roles, as well as functions of Advanced Practice Nursing.

Today, Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) in Florida includes, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners. Each Specialty group of Nurse Practitioner is title protected. Various statutes and rules direct professional scope of practice. Nurse Practitioners own practices, partner with physicians & non-physicians in business, as well as through collaborative partnerships. We provide care to persons in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, in private homes, mental health institutions, and outpatient surgical centers to name a few.

The National Institutes for Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Governors Associations, Kaiser Permanente, Florida’s Tax Watch, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services have acknowledged a need to maximize full practice authority of Advanced Practice Nurses in order to increase access of primary care services to the patients.

We believe professionalism begins during academic preparation of Advanced Practice Nurses. The Florida Nurse Practitioner Network provides seasoned clinicians and students the right vote and hold office. Legislation influenced by FNPN members affects federal and state laws relating to the practice of advanced nursing. Simply stated, dialog precedes vote and each vote is voice!

As clinicians, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, politicians, and patients – we make a difference. Students are our future. Nurse Practitioners are viable stakeholders within the healthcare industry. Deans, Directors, and Nursing faculty are asked to please share with their students the importance of becoming a member of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network.

Advanced Practice Nurses throughout Florida are encouraged to UNITE as an individual or group member of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network. Many voices can agree to disagree. In relationships we refer this this concept as having ‘options.’ We all need one another.

The Mission of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network includes:
  1. Encouraging networking between members throughout the state, 
  2. Providing educational and professional development for Nurse Practitioners,
  3. Serving as a resource for nurse practitioners, their patients and other health care consumers,
  4. Promoting excellence in practice, education, policy and research,
  5. Providing legislative leadership and 
  6. Advocating for health policy.

FNPN’s membership committee exists to advice on ways to increase and sustain members. WE exist to LISTEN to YOU! Post comments, email, or call FNPN membership committee at your leisure. Each member makes a difference!

Visit www.fnpn.org to become an individual or group member of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network today!

Pamela V Johnson, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC
Florida Nurse Practitioner Network
Membership Chairperson 2013

FNPN PAC Update

FNPN would like to congratulate Dr. Laureen Fleck on becoming the new FNPN PAC chair. There is much hard work ahead and we thank you in advance for your time and effort, we appreciate it!

The purpose of the FNPN-Political Action Committee (PAC) is to promote the ARNP profession through advancing the outcome of political issues or legislation. This is accomplished by contributing to the support of worthy candidates for State or Local offices who we believe have demonstrated their support of the principles to which this professional organization is dedicated. To further their purpose the PAC is empowered to solicit and accept these voluntary personal contributions (up to $500 per year per person). These contributions are used to attempt to influence the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any State or Local office. Your decision to make a PAC contribution will help to continue our efforts wherever possible. Contributions can be made @ www.fnpn.org via Pay Pal…or your check payable to FNPN-PAC.

If anyone is interested in volunteering their time, please contact Dr. Fleck at laureenfleck@yahoo.com

Let’s make things happen together! Thank you for your support!!

From AANP

All AANP members who are eligible to vote in the 2013 election should have received an electronic notification that the ballot site is open. The email is sent from “AANP Election Coordinator,” and the subject line is “AANP 2013 election login information below.” To access the election site, please click here, and enter your member number and e-signature provided in the email sent March 26-27. Voting is conducted electronically and closes at midnight Pacific Time on April 9. If you did not receive an electronic notification and you are eligible to vote, please check your spam/junk mail folder. For technical support or help with the election website, contact technical staff at support@directvote.net. For non-technical questions, please contact elections@aanp.org

Candidate information is available on the online ballot. Incumbents are designated as such on the ballot as well as on their individual bios. 46 candidates have photos, and 32 candidates submitted a campaign flyer this year. The flyer is posted with the candidate information.

All eligible AANP voters who participate in this election will be entered in a special drawing to receive a one-year complimentary AANP membership. Two names will be randomly selected by Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to receive the one-year memberships, and the winners will be notified at the close of the election. Thank you for taking part in this important process. Remember, every vote counts.

News You Can Use


The Florida NP Network has taken the next step to keep our members informed. Keep abreast of changes in your practice around the state and around the nation. You can join us today on Facebook under Florida Nurse Practitioner and Twitter under FloridaNP. We hope to hear from you.

Did you know as a current dues member you can access a weekly legislative report? Go to www.fnpn.org click on the Health Policy and Legislation tab. Under 2013 Florida State Legislation, all the weekly legislative reports so far this year are available.

Send us your articles

It is wonderful to spotlight Nurse Practitioners and highlight happenings in your area. Please submit names and events to Floridanpnetwork@gmail.com. FNPN newsletter welcomes your input!

FNPN Conference Program Guide

As the 10th annual Florida Nurse Practitioner Network Conference approaches, we are putting together the program guide. This year we have decided to allow ‘advertisers’ such as your physician group, pharmaceuticals, and local health care organizations to place ads if they choose not to exhibit. While we would love to have the exhibitors, we do want to offer this ad space to those that prefer a simpler method to communicate their business.

Currently, ad space on each page (8 ½ x 11) is as follows:
  • ¼ page, full color: $100
  • ½ page, full color: $150
  • Full page, full color: $250

Ads must be camera ready (.jpg, .png, .bmp) and be final proofed for advertising. No changes can be made once submitted. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Regina Pommer at Floridanpnetwork@gmail.com

ARNPs & Telemedicine

The Florida Nurse Practitioner Network would like to hear from Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners working at any site where Telemedicine is being implemented. We are interested in learning how current Florida Medicaid rules regarding telemedicine enhance or limit practice and reimbursement of ARNP services. Please take the survey click here

Should Nurse Practitioners get Involved in Oral Health?

Many Americans lack regular access to dental care; this is especially true in the state of Florida. One proposal to address this problem is the inclusion of nurse practitioners in oral health care delivery. A researcher at Nova Southeastern University has created a survey that investigates nurse practitioners' interests and desires to serve in an oral health capacity. Your participation gives valuable information that could aid in increasing access to oral health care in our state. Please click here to take anonymous survey.

Recent NP articles worth reading

Florida Board of Nursing 2013 Scheduled Meetings

These meetings provide excellent opportunity for students and practicing nurses to observe how Florida’s Board of Nursing (FBON) conducts business. Board meetings are open to the public. Since these meetings are quasi-judicial proceedings, the public is requested to refrain from applause, booing, or other emotional outbursts. Learn how the Nurse Practice Act is enforced throughout Florida.

April 3-5, 2013
Sawgrass Marriott
1000 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-285-7777
Agenda Deadline: March 4, 2013

May 3, 2013 - Annual Long Range Policy Planning Meeting
Holiday Inn I-295 and Baymeadows
11083 Nurseryfields Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-854-8000
Agenda Deadline: April 3, 2013

June 5-7, 2013
Marriott Tampa Westshore
1001 Westshore Plaza Tampa, FL 33609
813-287-2555
Agenda Deadline: May 6, 2013

July 31-August 2, 2013
The Peabody Orlando
9807 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407-352-4000
Agenda Deadline: July 2, 2013

October 2-4, 2013
Naples Beach Hotel
851 Gulf Shore Blvd N
Naples, FL 34102
239-261-2222
Agenda Deadline: September 2, 2013

December 4-6, 2013
Doubletree by Hilton
100 Fairway Drive
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
954-427-7700
Agenda Deadline: November 4, 2013

Florida Board of Nursing’s PURPOSE is to, ‘Protect the PUBLIC and make Florida the healthiest state in the nation through health care licensure, enforcement, and information’. MISSION: To protect, promote, & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. VALUES are Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Responsiveness, and Excellence (I CARE). FNPN obtained this information from here

Registered Nurses please renew your license

MQA is requesting your assistance in reaching out to the Registered Nurses who have not yet renewed their licenses. Although we sent out glossy white postcards with instructions for renewing 90 days prior to renewal expiration date, only 49 percent have renewed. We are strongly encouraging licensees to renew as soon as possible to ensure that their renewals are processed before the April 30, 2013 midnight deadline.

Renewing online is as simple as going to www.FLHealthsource.com, clicking on the "Renew My License" button on the homepage, and following the instructions. The system will allow licensees who do not know their User ID and Password to log in after answering several specific validation questions.

When renewing online, licensees will receive a Confirmation of License Renewal before logging out of the system. Online renewals are fast -- under 10 minutes to complete -- and are processed immediately, with the license status being updated online within ten business days. Licensees who need assistance with using the online renewal system or who have other questions about their renewal can contact the division's customer contact center at 850-488-0595.