AANP Joins Nursing Organizations to Thank and Encourage Governors in Removing Regulatory Barriers
Seven Organizations Endorse Statement on the Pivotal Role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
AUSTIN, TEXAS — This week, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) joined six other APRN organizations to thank governors nationwide for removing regulatory barriers, thus enabling our health care workforce to rise to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank those governors for their foresight, and we urge them to improve access to care for patients in their states by permanently removing these barriers. Additionally, we would like to encourage the governors of states that have not yet relaxed or removed regulatory barriers for APRNs to do so as soon as possible in order to significantly improve the ability of our nation to respond to its increased health care needs. Below is the full statement with signatories.
As the nation experiences unprecedented hardships and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, all eyes are turned to America’s healthcare system. Individual practices and facilities, as well as local and state systems are being stretched to the limit and beyond.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis unlike any other. The end is not likely to come quickly or easily. Providing the care that all patients need during this unprecedented time requires innovative, evidence-based solutions and the participation of all qualified providers to optimize workforce. America’s advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have and continue to step up and be essential providers, answering the needs of patients during this crisis. Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers so that they can practice to the top of their skills, education, and training is a critical step forward.
The pandemic requires a broad, coordinated effort among stakeholders across the healthcare continuum, including state governments and state boards of nursing. Many governors across the nation are recognizing the importance of allowing providers such as APRNs to serve the healthcare system without having to adhere to burdensome regulatory barriers that restrict access to high-quality, evidence-based care. On behalf of the members of the organizations we represent, we thank those governors for their foresight, and we urge them to improve access to care for patients in their states by permanently removing these barriers. Additionally, we would like to encourage the governors of the states that have not yet taken the action to relax or remove regulatory barriers for APRNS to do so as soon as possible in order to significantly improve the ability of our nation to respond to increased healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
America’s APRNs have answered the call of duty and are on the front lines of this disaster, caring for patients and communities. APRNs’ nursing background means that they bring a unique range of specialized skills, advanced education, and a holistic philosophy to patient care, as well as an exemplary track record of promoting the health and safety of their communities.
Signatories:
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American College of Nurse-Midwives
American Nurses Association
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
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The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 290,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs’ patients and other health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care. To locate a nurse practitioner in your community, go to npfinder.com. For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.