A C N P FORUM 384 Nurse practitioners (NPs) are natural advocates. Every day, they work with patients to protect their rights and support their health care goals. This advocacy role, however, does not have to end at the patient’s bedside. It can proceed to the front seats of a local town hall meeting and continue through the halls of Congress and rise to the ranks of the Executive Branch. As health care professionals, NPs know that deci- sions made by policymakers in Washington, DC, have a direct impact on their ability to deliver high- quality care. One of the most important things an NP can do is to seek to influence these decisions. As we have seen, NPs have been instrumental in organizing grassroots initiatives, attending town hall meetings, organizing Capitol Hill Days, and making their voices heard. NPs have met with their repre- sentatives, at both state and national levels, and educated their Members of Congress on issues affecting their communities. Many NPs have enjoyed these advocacy experi- ences and may be wondering how to become fur- ther involved in public policy initiatives affecting the NP community. For those who are interested, there are several different ways to become involved, such as seeking a position as a congressional intern, leg- islative fellow, or staffer, or work in a federal agency, like the Department of Health and Human Services. Many people begin their legislative career as interns on Capitol Hill, working for a Representative or Senator from their home state or for a Member of Congress who sits on a Committee or Subcommittee of jurisdic- tion over health-related issues. While these positions are often unpaid and dominated by undergraduate and graduate students, an internship on Capitol Hill is an excellent way to gain experience in the legislative process and begin a professional life in public policy. An NP who possesses a master’s or profession- al degree and has completed a successful intern- ship or has some pre-existing public policy back- ground may apply for a position as a Congressional Legislative Health Fellowship, a 9-month office placement usually sponsored by a foundation or research institute, such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Heritage Foundation, or Brookings Institute. As a Congressional Fellow, the individual may be responsible for researching pub- lic policy, drafting policy briefs, and crafting op-ed articles for his or her Member’s office. A gradual progression for an NP who has com- pleted an internship or fellowship is to apply for a more permanent position as a health legislative assistant (LA) in a Congressional office. A health LA is responsible for reviewing and briefing the office on all legislation within his/her issue area. An NP who is interested in public policy but dis- likes the unpredictability of a staffer’s work on Capitol Hill might be advised to pursue working for a federal government agency. For example, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has posi- tions available for nurse consultants who review, analyze, and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of services delivered by Medicare and Medicaid providers. NPs are competitive candidates for Congressional and federal health policy positions, as they possess a unique blend of both practical and academic expe- riences related to health care. For information, search the following websites before inquiring with a Member of Congress’ office: www.rollcall.com, www.thehill.com, www.thewashingtonpost.com, and www.bradtraverse.com. For opportunities in the federal government, search www.usajobs.gov . Hey, I Can Do That— A Public Policy Career Jodie Curtis, Government Relations Director, Drinker Biddle Reath, Washington, DC NPs Finally Listed in 2010 Federal SOC It only took 10 years of effort from a very vigilant group of NPs to get the occupation of “nurse practitioner” to be added to the Federal 2010 Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC). This news was published in the January 21, 2009, issue of Federal Register. The SOC reflects the current occupational structure of the United States, classifying all occupations in which work is performed for pay or profit. The SOC covers all jobs in the national economy, including occupations in the public, private, and military sectors. All federal agencies that publish occupational data for statistical pur- poses are required to use the SOC to increase data comparability.
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Nurse practitioners (NPs) are natural advocates. Everyday, they work with patients to protect their rights andsupport their health care goals. This advocacy role,however, does not have to end at the patient’s bedside.It can proceed to the front seats of a local town hallmeeting and continue through the halls of Congressand rise to the ranks of the Executive Branch.
As health care professionals, NPs know that deci-sions made by policymakers in Washington, DC,have a direct impact on their ability to deliver high-quality care. One of the most important things an NPcan do is to seek to influence these decisions.
As we have seen, NPs have been instrumental inorganizing grassroots initiatives, attending town hallmeetings, organizing Capitol Hill Days, and makingtheir voices heard. NPs have met with their repre-sentatives, at both state and national levels, andeducated their Members of Congress on issuesaffecting their communities.
Many NPs have enjoyed these advocacy experi-ences and may be wondering how to become fur-ther involved in public policy initiatives affecting theNP community. For those who are interested, thereare several different ways to become involved, suchas seeking a position as a congressional intern, leg-islative fellow, or staffer, or work in a federal agency,like the Department of Health and Human Services.
Many people begin their legislative career as internson Capitol Hill, working for a Representative or Senatorfrom their home state or for a Member of Congresswho sits on a Committee or Subcommittee of jurisdic-tion over health-related issues. While these positionsare often unpaid and dominated by undergraduate andgraduate students, an internship on Capitol Hill is anexcellent way to gain experience in the legislativeprocess and begin a professional life in public policy.
An NP who possesses a master’s or profession-al degree and has completed a successful intern-ship or has some pre-existing public policy back-ground may apply for a position as a CongressionalLegislative Health Fellowship, a 9-month officeplacement usually sponsored by a foundation orresearch institute, such as the Robert WoodJohnson Foundation, Heritage Foundation, orBrookings Institute. As a Congressional Fellow, theindividual may be responsible for researching pub-lic policy, drafting policy briefs, and crafting op-edarticles for his or her Member’s office.
A gradual progression for an NP who has com-pleted an internship or fellowship is to apply for amore permanent position as a health legislativeassistant (LA) in a Congressional office. A health LAis responsible for reviewing and briefing the officeon all legislation within his/her issue area.
An NP who is interested in public policy but dis-likes the unpredictability of a staffer’s work onCapitol Hill might be advised to pursue working for afederal government agency. For example, theCenters for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has posi-tions available for nurse consultants who review,analyze, and evaluate the quality and effectivenessof services delivered by Medicare and Medicaidproviders.
NPs are competitive candidates for Congressionaland federal health policy positions, as they possessa unique blend of both practical and academic expe-riences related to health care. For information,search the following websites before inquiring witha Member of Congress’ office: www.rollcall.com,www.thehill.com, www.thewashingtonpost.com,and www.bradtraverse.com. For opportunities in thefederal government, search www.usajobs.gov.
Hey, I Can Do That—A Public Policy Career
Jodie Curtis, Government Relations Director, Drinker Biddle Reath, Washington, DC
NPs Finally Listed in 2010 Federal SOC It only took 10 years of effort from a very vigilant groupof NPs to get the occupation of “nurse practitioner” tobe added to the Federal 2010 Standard OccupationalClassifications (SOC). This news was published in theJanuary 21, 2009, issue of Federal Register.
The SOC reflects the current occupationalstructure of the United States, classifying all
occupations in which work is performed for payor profit. The SOC covers all jobs in the nationaleconomy, including occupations in the public,private, and military sectors. All federal agenciesthat publish occupational data for statistical pur-poses are required to use the SOC to increasedata comparability.
Change and hope—2 words that have been on thelips of our national leaders and 2 words that res-onated throughout ACNP’s 2009 NationalLeadership Summit in February. Nurse practition-ers (NPs) have always held change and hope cen-tral to their mission of service and advocacy topatients and their profession. The take homeSummit message this year is one of hopeful oppor-tunity and necessary change.
Keynote speaker Dr Deborah Trautman, a regis-tered nurse and Robert Wood Johnson PolicyFellow for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, highlighted thenational agenda for health care reform and identi-fied the many places where NP practice and healthcare reform converged. Encouraging tenacity inmaking change, she applauded NPs’ advocacyefforts and encouraged the continued use of clearmessages and united voice in taking our case toour legislators.
It is clear that the most pressing issue for NPs inindividual states is the elimination of artificial barri-ers to practice, including restrictive practice regula-tions and payment for services. The majority ofACNP state affiliates are seeking a move fromstatutorily mandated supervision or collaboration tofull autonomous practice. Darlene Byrd fromArkansas and Stephen Ferrara from New York pre-sented their states’ strategies to implement thesechanges. Marie Lindsey from Illinois reported onthe work being done by the Multi-StateReimbursement Task Force to ensure that NPsreceive equitable payment for services to patientscarrying private insurance.
The stimulus package, the federal budgets for2009 and 2010, and medical homes demonstrationproject legislation were all major issues for Summitattendees. The nursing community is united in itsefforts to seek adequate funding for nursing edu-cation and advanced practice nursing initiatives.National NP organizations have been workingtogether diligently and speaking with one voice onbudget and stimulus package issues. Clearly, thatstrategy is effective. While last year’s legislationextending the federally funded medical homesdemonstration projects does not include NPs asleaders of medical homes, a coalition of national NPorganizations working in concert were able to influ-ence the language of the Patient Centered PrimaryCare Collaborative (PCPCC), the organization driv-
ing the medical homes concept, to include NPs asleaders of medical homes. While this breakthroughwill likely not effect the federal demonstration proj-ect legislation, inclusion of NPs in this organiza-tion’s approach to medical home implementation isa hard won and important victory.
Perhaps the most important information to emergeduring the Summit was the presentation by DrsMichael Barr and Susan Apold that highlighted theAmerican College of Physicians (ACP) new policypaper on NPs. Leaders of the ACP, the second largestphysician membership organization in the nation,sought the counsel of nationally recognized NPswhen they crafted their new policy. Recognizing thatNPs are qualified health care providers, ACP leader-ship sought to change their position from one of MDdomination and supervision to one of cooperation andcollegiality. The new ACP policy paper identifies 7position statements on NPs/physician relationships.These positions include:
• The different educational preparation andexperience between MDs and NPs and theshared commitment of these 2 groups ofhealth care providers to patient care
• A definition of collaboration NOT as a regula-tory or legal requirement but as ongoing inter-disciplinary communication between profes-sionals
• Opposition to the use of the Step 3 U.S.Medical and Licensing Examination for NPcertification
• Testing of medical home demonstrationprojects led by NPs
• Research on MD/NP practice models and col-laboration practices
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary education• Workforce policies that support an adequate
supply of NPs and physicians in primary careThe energy and vitality that was evident at this
most important Leadership Summit are cause forhope for NPs and their patients across thenation. Organizational unity has created thechange necessary to create the health carefuture so that NPs can provide the care that theireducation and experience warrant and patientscan receive the care they need. The 2009 ACNPLeadership Summit is history, but the work donethere will carry the profession well into thefuture.
networking with colleagues and industry professionals!
The ACNP National Clinical Conference, the premier educational
off ering for nurse practitioners, off ers you the opportunity to
earn a full scope of continuing education credits at sessions led
by top clinical experts.
Nurse Practitioners: Shaping Policy, Improving Practice
American College of Nurse Practitioners
2009 National Clinical ConferenceOctober 7-11, 2009 • Albuquerque, NM • Albuquerque Convention Center
Take Advantage of:
� Dynamic keynotes
� More than 120 CE sessions in a variety of subject areas
� Over 100 exhibitors
� Hands on educational and clinical workshops
� And more!
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In-Depth Skills WorkshopsThe 2009 National Clinical Conference will feature 12 skills workshops, providing attendees with the unique opportunity to learn new skills or “brush up” on techniques and procedures.
Thought-Provoking Poster SessionLooking for an opportunity to share your insights? The conference poster session provides an excellent opportunity for presenters to share research, practice and personal experiences with colleagues. Submit your poster today on the ACNP Conference web site.
Cutting Edge Industry Sponsored Symposia ACNP off ers its attendees the chance to attend educational symposia sponsored by members of the industry. These symposia are longer than most sessions and off er an in-depth exploration of important clinical topics. Symposia may off er CE credits.
Earn over 30 hours of CE ACNP is approved as a provider of CE by the Virginia Nurses Association, which is accredited as an approver of CE by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Join ACNP in AlbuquerqueExperience the authentic Southwest. One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Albuquerque boasts a unique multicultural heritage and history where Native American, Hispanic & Latino, Anglo and other cultural infl uences are a part of everyday life. While the modern city of Albuquerque is a center of high-tech industry and research, it retains vital connections to the past, such as the ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument, the historic Old Town Plaza and the trail of vintage neon signs along Route 66 spanning the city.
Albuquerque has spectacular weather—310 days of sunshine—perfect for outdoor activities. Albuquerque’s unique weather features also make it the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Balloons dot the clear blue skies almost every morning, revealing a myriad of colors year-round.
Kick up your heels in the bustling downtown entertainment district, go out for a night of entertainment by one of Albuquerque’s international theater and dance companies, or visit one of the many casinos surrounding the metropolitan area. Discover some of the best golf courses in America. Float over the beautiful Southwest scenery in a hot air balloon. No matter what your adventure, the spectacular culture, abundance of activities and breathtaking landscape that are uniquely Albuquerque await!
To learn more about the 2009 National Clinical Conference and all that is off ered at this outstanding event visit www.acnpconference.com
cal Conference and all that ww acnpconference com
Registration and Housing Now Available Online
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