A Letter from Our President, Kelly Shank
“As I write this, spring is beginning and nature is waking up, much like OAAPN, as we continue to move on from the pandemic and discover a new normal. Over the course of the past few years, we have updated our mission and vision, developed a strategic plan, and implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion policy. We are full of hope and excited at the opportunities ahead of us as we strive to ensure our efforts reflect the needs of our members.
As you will read in the Government Relations update, our Government Relations Committee (GRC) has been hard at work building a coalition that will support us in our legislative endeavors. While the pandemic may have slowed down our progress, we have used that time diligently building relationships with other organizations that support our goals. I often read comments on social media or hear conversations at our chapter meetings about the lack of legislative progress in Ohio. To that, I can only respond – “Come be part of the process.” We have two bills that we are passionate about and that will advance APRN practice in Ohio. Now as we introduce that legislation, we will need the strength and support of a healthy membership base to help us pass legislation that will make a difference in your daily practice!
Legislation is not the only way OAAPN is advocating for APRNs. Our Reimbursement Committee is always looking for ways to ensure equitable reimbursement for our members. They monitor rules and seize opportunities to amend them for improved APRN reimbursement. They also write rules and legislation to protect our members’ interests and provide education on recent billing and coding changes. If you have questions about reimbursement, do not feel you are being reimbursed fairly, or are having credentialing issues with specific payers, please let us know.
Currently, new online continuing education programs are being developed by our Education Committee. Look for these on our website this summer. Additionally, planning is underway for our 32nd Annual Statewide Conference, which will be held in Columbus from October 26-28. We are proud to continue offering support for our student members through our poster program, promotion of DNP surveys, annual scholarship opportunities, and much more.
Regional Directors are key to ensuring that our chapter leaders have what they need to lead our popular local meetings. These chapter meetings provide not only education but also a platform for networking among local APRN communities and students seeking preceptors. We encourage you to attend a chapter meeting where you will hear the latest OAAPN news and details about upcoming events and offerings for OAAPN members. You can find local meetings in your area HERE.
In addition to helping APRNs come together locally, OAAPN looks to support the local communities in which we serve. We strive to embrace a philanthropic spirit and have recognized several organizations over the last few years, including Ronald McDonald House, Heartbeat of Toledo, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, and more. If you have an organization that you would like to see OAAPN support, please send us an email. You can find all the worthy organizations OAAPN has supported over the last several years at this LINK.
It is important to be a member of your state organization for many reasons but especially as we work to pass legislation. We need every APRN in the state to help us meet these goals. OAAPN is the only statewide APRN organization in Ohio and by becoming a member you open the door to many opportunities to support APRN practice in our state. These opportunities include but are not limited to joining one of our committees, getting involved in our Key Person Program, and contributing to our Political Action Committee (PAC).
OAAPN is devoted to serving its members. If there is something you would like to see us offer, please let us know. To accomplish our goals, we need you. Our strength is in our membership.
Now is the time to join! Come be part of the most exciting time for APRNs in Ohio!”