Dear CANP Community,

There was no summer lull for the California Association for Nurse Practitioners. As the summer draws to a close, we continue to work vigorously on several important initiatives core to our organization’s mission. 

First, and as I’ve shared previously in my reports, CANP is actively engaged in the stakeholder process at the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and, in particular, the BRN’s Nurse Practitioner Advisory Committee (NPAC), which was established by AB 890. These governing entities are responsible for outlining, editing, and finalizing critical regulatory provisions in AB 890 for NPs to be able to practice without physician supervision, most notably to define minimum standards for transition to practice. (Note: the NPAC reports to the BRN Nursing Practice Committee, which then makes formal recommendations to the full Board. The BRN has sole authority for approval of any regulations to be put into place.) 
 
The regulations being drafted through this process are critical to implementing the bill to the full intent of the legislation. We commend members of the BRN and the NPAC for their leadership and thank them for their work as we strive to expand access to care for patients in need. 

Over the last few months, we’ve seen once again the aggressive opposition tactics from the California Medical Association and other physician groups. Leading into and during the most recent NPAC meetings held on July 13 and August 31, it was clear that physician-led groups are using the regulatory process to attempt relitigating AB 890 (a bill already signed into law) and negatively influence the regulatory procedures necessary to fully implement it. Most evidently, among the cacophony of opposition requests is a superfluous residency program and demands for additional testing – both of which were firmly rebuffed by the Legislature when passing AB 890.
 
As I shared in a statement with the press, "CANP is monitoring these draft recommendations and will continue to stay engaged in this process. Our goal is to ensure that AB 890 is implemented fairly. We will oppose any efforts to add requirements that were rejected during the legislative process."
 
The next major juncture we are preparing for will occur at the BRN Board meetings on November 17-18, where the BRN and the NPAC will present draft AB 890 regulations. We anticipate these being released to the public shortly in advance of the Board meetings and will keep members apprised of our continuing efforts leading into this next iteration and how you can voice your support. If you are not currently receiving updates from CANP regarding this and other key issues, please make sure that your profile on the member portal is set to be able receive emails. 

Our Health Justice initiative is also making great strides. CANP held its first-ever Virtual Health Justice Town Hall on August 25, convening members to address social and racial justice issues in health care and society at large, explain the terminology used when discussing health justice, and engage in a moderated Q&A with subject matter experts. Our commitment to health justice is central to our identity and responsibility as nurses. We must be equipped to fully engage in the current conversation on race and inequity as we endeavor to meet the tremendous gaps that exist for far too many. 

If you were unable to tune in, I encourage you to read our feature article covering the forum at length, which includes a link to the recording. This is the start of many opportunities for dialogue and growth as we learn more about these vital topics. If you have thoughts or feedback for me, our committee, or the Board of Directors, I encourage you to please contact us. We plan on many more opportunities for dialogue as we learn and grow together and find ways to implement what we are discovering.

Lastly, in next month’s Connections, we will be exploring a timely, complex, and significant issue impacting our members and nurse practitioners across the world right now: Self-Care & Mental Health. The past 18 months have been especially hard on health care providers. What kinds of things have you done to help manage stress, anxiety, exhaustion, or other affects you have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic? 

We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions with us to help inform the article. You may submit anonymously or elect to have your comments used in the editorial. Participate in our Self-Care & Mental Health inquiry here.

Again, thank you for being a part of our special community and for all that you do on behalf of your families, patients, communities, and California NPs. 

With respect and deep gratitude,

Patti Gurney, MSN, PPCNP-BC
CANP President