PAPN TX Representative's Summary of the AANP Conference New Orleans

 

Dear PAPN Members,

 

Last year, I attended my first AANP conference virtually. This year, I had the opportunity to attend AANP's National Conference in-person in New Orleans. In addition to being the co-chair for the Psych / Mental Health SPG for AANP, I was a representative on behalf of PAPN TX. 

 

AANP offers memberships for all NP certifications and is a national NP group. They also offer membership for professional NP organizations (referred to as NPOs). PAPN TX is part of AANP's NPO. This membership allows PAPN TX to have networking opportunities, advocacy and representation by AANP's government affairs for legislative and policy initiatives, a substantial discount on CE accreditation fees (i.e. for PAPN TX's annual conference in the Spring!), and more. At the NPO Luncheon, I was able to network with other NPO representatives and receive an update from AANP's leadership regarding key aspects of AANP accomplishments and future goals.

 

A few highlights I would like to share directly from the NPO luncheon:

(1)  The most current number reveals approximately 375,000 certified NPs on a national level

(2)  Utah became the 27th FPA state in the nation earlier this year. Federal advocacy continues for FPA for all states. AANP even made promotional videos featuring NPs in Texas (El Paso), that commute to New Mexico (FPA state) to practice and how barriers impact patient care and compared this with care from Nebraska (a FPA state) - 20 counties designed as a HPSA saw an increase in access to primary care after FPA was granted.

(3)  NPO support regarding the ICAN Act on a Federal level to remove NP barriers to care and increase patient access to NPs

(4)  Emphasis that AANP's Government Affairs is here for NPOs regarding local and state advocacy efforts. Sure, they work hard on Federal policy, but they count on the NPOs to assist them with the needs of local and state policy needs. 

 

PAPN TX will continue to work with AANP and other organizations to assist with advocacy efforts for Psych APRNs. Our membership makes us a stronger organization, and we greatly appreciate your continued support. Board members of PAPN TX will be convening in September for a retreat to discuss future endeavors of PAPN TX over the next year. We will keep you updated with future opportunities and events with PAPN TX. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Lisa Anderson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

PAPN TX Secretary