A Message from Outgoing President Joscelyn Greaves
These last two years during which I have served as President of OAAPN have been an adventure, and in some ways a roller coaster ride. We all have dreams and goals that we want to achieve and my main priority as President was the removal of the standard care arrangement but most importantly, advancing practice for APRNs in the state of Ohio.
We were thankful to have Representative Tom Brinkman who introduced HB 177 for us early in the 133rd General Assembly. It allowed us to have several hearings and testimonies on the legislation, as well as provided us the ability to meet with multiple legislators along the way. It was great to be able to discuss with them how APRNs can help improve healthcare in Ohio.
Of course, like many things, things did not always go as planned. I don’t think any of us saw this year’s pandemic coming. As a result, many things that we were working on were forced to slow down, including our work on HB 177. We all have been focused on how we can manage things in our home and personal lives and stay afloat financially as well as still attempt to provide the care our patients deserved.
I am proud to say that there have been some advancements for APRNs that occurred over the last two years, including the ability to collaborate with pharmacists, liability protection for providers related to COVID-19, permanent changes made regarding telehealth, and increased reimbursement for mental health for APRNs to 100%. While we have not passed HB 177, we have made progress and I believe that we will continue to build on that progress and the next General Assembly.
It has been a lot of hard work from some of the team members on our board as well as our lobbyist, KPP, and legislative committee. And it is going to take a lot of hard work to continue to push this but we will get there! We are not giving up. We need each of you to help make that happen by being an advocate and for your profession. Speak with the legislators in your district, be a member of OAAPN, and join committees to have your voices heard.
Considering all of the circumstances I am proud of what we have completed in the last two years and I am proud to have been able to work with some amazing people who have similar goals and wants and the drive to make that happen. I thank each of you who have participated in some of our asks, donated to the PAC, attended our virtual conference and chapter meetings, and continue to be members.
I am thankful for the emails, texts, or just words of encouragement we received along the way as well. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as president and everything I have learned and been able to accomplish along the way. I know that OAAPN will continue to push and make progress in advancing APRN practice in Ohio.
-Outgoing President, Joscelyn Greaves