2017 proved to be an eventful year for Ohio APRNs as House Bill 216, the APRN Modernization Act, was signed into law. The new law makes advances toward full practice authority for all Ohio APRNs, but there is still much work to be done. When we asked some OAAPN board members what they hope to accomplish in 2018, a common theme was a commitment to continue to work toward gaining independent practice for APRNs.

Name: Meredith Foxx
Title: Executive Director/ACNO Advanced Practice Nursing Cleveland Clinic
OAAPN Chapter: Cleveland/Northeast

Looking to 2018, what do you hope to accomplish for OAAPN and APRNs around Ohio?
In 2017, APRNs saw many benefits after House Bill 216 was successfully signed into law. Going into 2018, this bill builds the foundation for pursuing full practice in Ohio. I hope to continue helping our legislators understand the role of APRNs in providing health care to Ohioans. The health care needs of Ohioans are great enough that we should be pushing for all health care providers to team up and provide high-quality care.

How have you benefited, personally and professionally, from your OAAPN membership?
I believe it is fundamentally important to join your professional organization. Personally, I have developed a better understanding of my practice, a better understanding of the law and rules in this field, and I’ve built a network of colleagues across the state.


Name: Jesse McClain
Title: APRN, Mercy Health Youngstown
OAAPN Chapter: Youngstown

Looking to 2018, what do you hope to accomplish for OAAPN and APRNs around Ohio?
I hope APRNs across our state gain a better understanding of the rules and regulations governing his or her practice. I hope to help members understand the benefit of supporting their statewide organization, as well as to create different methods for their statewide organization to support them and their practice.

How have you benefited, personally and professionally, from your OAAPN membership?
OAAPN’s work on ensuring state laws and rules are communicated effectively is one reason why I chose to be actively involved. I have been in practice 11 years and I am unsure if I would have understood what is needed to practice safely and effectively, in Ohio, without their information and guidance.


Name: Erin Ross
Title: Nurse Practitioner, Cleveland Clinic
OAAPN Chapter: Cleveland

Looking to 2018, what do you hope to accomplish for OAAPN and APRNs around Ohio?
I would like to connect more Ohio APNs to OAAPN by using my role as the communications director. I see this happening by disseminating information about APN practice starting with my local community and moving statewide. I also wish to connect with my elected state officials to emphasize barriers to APN practice and work with other OAAPN members on policy change.

How have you benefited, personally and professionally, from your OAAPN membership.
OAAPN is where advanced practice nurses come together to share knowledge, gain expertise, get connected, and stay involved. An OAAPN membership connects you to this global community of hundreds of professional nurses who share your passion for advanced nursing practice, patient care, and education. It also connects you to opportunities to mold the advanced practice profession, public policy, and practice.


Name: Joscelyn Greaves
Title: Nurse Practitioner, Gastroenterology Specialists Inc.
OAAPN Chapter: President elect, Canton/NE Ohio

Looking to 2018, what do you hope to accomplish for OAAPN and APRNs around Ohio?
I hope to help improve the membership benefits of OAAPN, as well as continue to set the foundation for gaining independent practice for APRNs.

How have you benefited, personally and professionally, from your OAAPN membership?
I’ve taken advantage of the great networking OAAPN provides. I’ve also kept up to date on what’s going on in the legislative world as it pertains to APRN, and have stayed informed about the changes being made and those we still hope to make.


Name: Christine Williams
Title: Neighborhood Family Practice
OAAPN Chapter: Northeast/Cleveland

Looking to 2018, what do you hope to accomplish for OAAPN and APRNs around Ohio?
I hope to see a full repeal of the SCA (Standard Care Agreement) or movement toward that final repeal. I would like to see a more assertive response to the growing barriers to APRN practice in Ohio. I’d also like to see productive interaction and a better relationship with the Board of Nursing, and a plan of action for when the BON demonstrates their lack of understanding of APRN practice and the promulgation of rules designed to restrict patient access and to confuse APRN practice.

How have you benefited, personally and professionally, from your OAAPN membership?
I have benefited personally and professionally in understanding my role as an APRN, in having an opportunity to provide input and leadership to Ohio APRN practice and OAAPN as an organization. I have had extensive opportunities to spend time with APRNs who are exceptionally great role models, who are committed to a better life for Ohio APRNs and who are committed to patient care—they make great friends!