Updates

Thanks to the state-wide efforts of all Georgia’s Advanced Practice Nursing organizations working together, SB 94, which would remove current restrictions to the ability of APRN’s to order diagnostic imaging exams passed the Senate.  Supporting APRN’s in this effort were the Georgia Hospital Association, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Emory University and Emory Healthcare, HomeTown Health (small hospital alliance), the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, and the Georgia Rural Health Association.  Thanks are owed to the above supporters whose contributions included, but were not limited to testimony before committees, letters of support to legislators, technical assistance and direct lobbying efforts.  This support represents significant progress in efforts to reduce the barriers to access to practice and care in Georgia that hamper the ability of APRN’s to contribute all that they are capable of in meeting the significant health care needs of the residents of this state.

The progress of SB 94 stalled for the year in the House of Representatives Health and Human Services Committee.  While the bill was scheduled for a hearing, and while supporters of the bill were present and prepared to testify for the bill as passed by the senate, a Committee substitute was passed out and discussed instead. This is the prerogative of the committee. However the substitute presented was met with a great deal of concern by many of the committee members, and was tabled without being acted upon. The substitute among other things included restrictions to practice for PA’s and APRN’s as well as retail clinics and would have given the Board of Medicine greater authority in regulating Advanced Practice Nursing. Unfortunately, no testimony was heard related to the original bill.

The official version is still the version of SB 94 as passed by the Senate.  Our bill will start the 2014 session of the General Assembly in January in the House Health and Human Services Committee and require positive action by that Committee to progress.  Obviously, we have some work to do!  Planning for next January begins now. Our supporters have committed to continuing their support. Additional allies will be sought.  There is need for a lot of grass roots efforts in the interim with members of the House Health and Human Services Committee and the full House of Representatives. There remains a critical lack of understanding of APRN practice and our ability to provide high quality care to patients.

Please reach out to these members and help to educate them about the level of your practice and your role in serving the people in your communities. This is an important and ongoing task in which all of us should be engaged.

Thanks again to all who contacted their legislators during the past session. Success in the Senate would not have been possible without your efforts. Watch next week for a wrap-up of the 2013 Legislative Session and the status of other bills of interest.

Please share any local activities that support our efforts.

Laura Searcy

678-886-4503  lsearcy@caprn.org