Advocating for Patients during this state of Emergency

Over the last two weeks Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association has been working diligently to advocate for access to high quality healthcare for the people of Arkansas. 

We communicated the loosening of regulations needed to increase access to APRN care with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, the Governor of Arkansas, and numerous state senators and representatives. We have collaborated with several healthcare organizations to try to find a way through this crisis for the state of Arkansas. Specific requests related to APRN practice include the removal of the mandatory collaborative practice agreement and authorization for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive healthcare from any willing provider during this state of emergency. In addition, we requested loosening rules related to prescribing medications for chronic pain through telehealth and expedited licensing for out-of-state and retired/inactive APRNs. 

These requests are reasonable.  They will enable APRNs to improve access to care for patients and their communities. These requests align with the letter sent to the governors by Alex Azar II, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and recommendations by the National Governors' Association.  Actions have been taken by the governors of other states such as Tennessee, Texas, and New York. 

See attached copies of our letter to the governor, proclamation co-authored with Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA), letter to the governors from Secretary Azar, and recommendations from the National Governors' Association.   

Unfortunately, our recommendations have fallen on deaf ears. We will continue to work diligently to meet the needs of our profession, our patients, and our communities during this crisis.  We will need the help of our members and colleagues for our message to be heard.

Please watch for ways you can help.