Support Full Practice Authority for APNs at the VA

 Colleagues,

This is a call to action. We need to support the VA's proposed rule that would allow APNs in the VA to have full practice authority allowing better access to healthcare for our veterans. With this proposed rule,  APNs working in the federal VA healthcare system would have full practice authority regardless of the state they are working in. The proposal is located via the link provided below. Currently, the rule is open to public comment until July 25th. Please show your support by posting comments and backing this initiative that would increase veterans' access to care.

https://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=2406817218&message_id=13164553&user_id=AACN&group_id=2077603&jobid=34360728

 The comments can be brief, and should include the following:

 Stated support for implementing the rule.

1. Reasons why the person supports the rule, such as:

   1. Evidence in professional medical and nursing literature depicting quality care delivered, and outcomes achieved by APRNs.

   2. Rebuffing the myths disseminated by some organizations and individuals of alleged substandard care and dangers of APRN delivered care.

   3. Rejecting the idea the APRNs want to “act like physicians,” and emphasizing the education, knowledge, expertise, competence, and skills of advanced NURSING practice, brought to the table by APRNs.

   4. Underscoring the fact the Full Practice Authority already exists and functions well in numerous states and the District of Columbia.

   5. Personal experiences with receiving quality care delivered by APRNs.

   6. Any other information/comment the writer finds suitable.

Please make sure, that if a person commenting is a VA employee, the comments have to be prepared and send on non-VA time and from non-VA computer/email account.

The comment period is currently underway and expires on July 25.

Lotricia Guerrier,

President, CFANPC