A Time to Reflect Upon this Past Year !!

As we draw closer to the end of an extremely active political year, I feel it is very important that we review our 7 top federal legislative priorities of 2013.

These federaal legislative priorities will continue through 2014. I have made us seven bullets as seen below. However, I have attached a more detailed explanation of these important priorities. 

Unless we ask our national legislators for their support and educate them on these matters, we do ourselves and our profession a injustice.

Our top federal legislative priorities for 2013 include:
1. Pass the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act.
2. Include NPs in Medicaid Primary Care Incentive Payments.
3. Provide Stable, Sufficient Funding for Nurse Education Programs.
4. Enable NP Patients to be Beneficiaries in Medicare Shared Savings Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).
5. Authorize NPs to Complete Admission Examinations for Patients Referred to Skilled Nursing Facilities.
6. Authorize NPs to Certify Medicare Patients' Eligibility for Initial Admission to Hospice Care.
7. Follow Recommendations of the Institute of Medicine.

Remember an email to your federal representatives usually represent approximtely 5-10 votes for the candidate. A telephone call to your federal representatives usually represent approximtely 25 votes for the candidate. A face to face appointment with your federal representatives usually represent approximtely 50 votes for the candidate. So, as we all send out our holiday greeting cards and emails to family and friends, please, please, please send holiday greetings to your U.S. Senator and district representative. Educate them about why we need to reach these important goals in 2014 as well as ask for their support in these areas.

I will be meeting with my three state officers in early January to set the agenda for the year. As I look back over this past year, the changes in our organization have been incredible, from our new logo to our steady membership growth to our first community service day and scholarship funds to name only a few. So as I begin to prepare my 2014 agenda, I need to hear from all of you. What did we do well in 2013? What areas need improving upon? What new ideas do you have that you would like UAPRN to consider? and Where do you want our organization to move toward in 2014?

As your elected president, I can only implement your ideas if you articulate them to me. So in closing, get a vision of where you want us to grow and move in the new year and get involved to make it happen . Elenore Roosevelt was a woman ahead of her time. She always worked hard, was diligent, studied the facts and was always prepared. She had a vision and never allowed anyone or anything to get in her way of achieving that vision. She epitomized strength, courage, and determination. Her powerful quote  hangs on my bathroom mirror. It inspires me and gives me the fortitude to continue in my vision that I have for UAPRN. Ms. Roosevelt said:

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by doing the things which you think you cannot do."

In closing, I have pondered and reflected upon what I could give each of you as a holiday gift. It came to me about 3:00 am last Sunday morning. So my gift to you is the other hanging that I read daily before setting out into the world. I pray that these Agreements will influence you in the same way that they have influenced my life. Please see the second attachment for your Holiday gift from me.

Happy Holidays to you all!

James F. Lawrence, Ph.D. APRN BC CHPN FAANP CPS

State President