“As we begin 2025, I am honored and excited to serve as President of the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (OAAPN). My journey with this organization has been one of advocacy and commitment — first as a Chapter Leader in rural Ohio to Regional Director, Government Relations Co-Director, then as President-Elect, and now as President. I have dedicated years to fighting for APRN practice rights in Ohio, ensuring that we continue to advance our profession and provide high-quality, accessible care to the patients who need us.

Eric SnyderAs APRNs, we know that our role in healthcare is critical. However, the challenges we face — whether related to restrictive legislation, reimbursement barriers, or professional development — are best tackled when we come together as a unified force. That is why, in 2025, OAAPN is focused on not just advocating for better policies, but also strengthening our membership and engagement in key areas.

We have more legislation being introduced this General Assembly that will impact APRN practice in Ohio. While we have made significant progress, there is still work to be done. Advocacy is not just the job of a few. It requires all of us. One of the best ways to make a difference is by getting involved in OAAPN‘s committees. Whether Government Relations, Reimbursement, Education, Statewide conference planning, Membership or our Key Person Program, committee work is where the real impact happens. If you’ve ever wanted to have a voice in the policies that shape your practice, now is the time to step up and join a committee. Your expertise and engagement can help drive meaningful change.

Additionally, our ability to influence legislation depends on the strength of our collective voice. I encourage every OAAPN member to invite their colleagues to join our organization. The more members we have, the stronger our advocacy efforts become. We also need to continue growing our Political Action Committee (PAC) fund. Supporting our PAC is one of the most direct ways to ensure that APRN issues are heard at the Statehouse. Even a small contribution makes a difference in our ability to educate lawmakers and push for reforms that will benefit our profession and our patients.

As your President, I am committed to working alongside each of you to move OAAPN forward. Let’s make 2025 a year of action, growth, and success for APRNs in Ohio. Get involved, stay engaged, and together we will continue shaping the future of healthcare in our state.”

Dr. Eric Snyder, DNP, APRN-CNP
President, Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses