Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice

Favorable Economic Impact Report Leads the Way for 2013 Initiative

The Texas Team Advancing Health through Nursing has released an economic report showing that more fully utilizing advanced practice registered nurses in Texas would enhance efficiency in health care delivery. The result would be an increase in state economic output of $8 billion dollars annually and 97,205 new permanent jobs, with an impact that grows more and more over time. The report highlights a need for legislative changes in 2013 that would reduce current unnecessary restrictions on APRNs and allow them to help fill gaps in the state’s health care delivery systems.

A press conference unveiling the report and the 2013 Legislative Initiative advocated by CNAP and other stakeholder groups was held Monday, May 14. The press release identifies highlights of The Perryman Group Report. 

Click here to read The Perryman Group economic report, the press release, and the legislative initiative. Keep checking back for further updates. 

Other Resources:

House Press Conference video

Initiative on the future of nursing

Institute of Medicine Report

 Our Mission

• To create a legal and regulatory climate in which Advanced Practice Nurses can use their full potential to improve the health and well being of all Texans; and
• To educate Advanced Practice Nurses and stakeholders about the legal boundaries of APN practice. 
   

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Staff Changes CNAP

CNAP has been working through staffing transitions in recent months.  For many years you have heard from Lynda Woolbert with legislative updates and other news of importance for the advancement of APRN practice in Texas.  However, Lynda has now transitioned from CNAP staff to a private sector consultant.

In the future, you will hear mostly from, Pattie Featherston Director of Public Policy, on policy and legislative issues.   Jennifer Fontana, has taken the position of the CNAP Executive Director and will handle operational aspects of the organization. 

Long-time CNAP advocate Kathy Hutto continues to be the hired lobbyist. Kathy will continue to lead the charge for CNAP legislative initiatives, and we are very fortunate for her continued dedication and hard work for advanced practiced registered nurses.

 Please know that we are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in working toward the goals of CNAP and the progress of APRN practice issues in Texas.  We will continue the informative updates that you have enjoyed in the past, and we will work hard to involve you in grassroots activities that will assist our advocacy efforts. 

 UPCOMING MEETINGS

 CNAP Meeting, Aug 17, 2012 - 10:00 am - Austin, TX

CNAP Meeting, Nov. 15, 2012 - 10:00 am - Austin, TX

CNAP Legislative Day - February 11, 2013 - Austin, TX

 Registering Rx Delegation 

• All physicians delegating prescriptive authority to an APRN must complete the Texas Medical Board's online registration. For more information, CLICK HERE. To go directly to TMB registration,  CLICK HERE . 

Disabled Parking Placards: What APRNs Must Know

• On June 19, 2009, Governor Perry signed SB 1984 giving APRNs limited authority to sign medical verifications for disabled parking placards.
• On June 17, 2011, the Governor signed HB 2080 allowing APRNs to sign the medical verification when a person from any county submits an initial application for a disabled parking placard. CLICK HERE to understand the limitations and get information you and your patients need.

NPs, CNSs & CNMs May Order Glucose Testing Supplies for Medicaid Clients

• For dates of service on or after November 1, 2009, glucose testing equipment and supplies for Medicaid clients no longer require a signed Home Health Services (Title XIX) DME/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form and may be provided based on a detailed written order. For the TMHP announcement and details, Click Here and scroll to page 29. To verify CNMs may order these supplies, Click Here.

   

Governor Signed Retail Clinic Bill, SB 532, on June 19, 2009 

• Click Here to read about the final debate on SB 532 and details on the statutory changes that went into effect on September 1, 2009. 

Controlled Substance Prescriptions Must Include DPS Number

• Since September 1, 2008, all prescriptions for controlled substances require the prescriber's Texas State DPS permit number, as well as the federal DEA number.  Read More.

Get Your NPI

• All large health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, must exclusively begin use the National Provider Identifier (NPI). The NPI also identifies you as the ordering provider for diagnostic tests and health care services. For more information on obtaining your NPI, read the article.

Other Information:

• Recent changes that affect APRN Practice