March 2018 Newsletter
House Bill 429 Passed by Full House and Senate!
The Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama is thrilled to announce that the Signature Authority Bill (SB46/HB429) crossed the final hurdle with full passage of the bill on March 22, 2018 in Montgomery. NPAA is grateful for the hard work and support of the many constituents who supported the bill including the countless NPAA members who took time to be in Montgomery as well as those who called their senators and representatives to share our vision of how this bill can improve access to care, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes. Additionally, we want to thank the many organizations and agencies who worked with us to achieve passage. Each vote of the bill passed unanimously in the Senate and House. The bill now goes to Governor Ivey for her signature. Once signed into law, CRNPs and CNMs in Alabama to have signature authority for many forms that in the past have required a physician to sign in addition to an advanced practice nurse.

"NPAA put out 'Calls to Action' for our membership to contact their legislative officials throughout this legislative session to advocate for passage of the companion signature authority bills. Legislatures expressed that they were overwhelmed and highly impressed with the response they received from the Alabama NPs. NPAA would like to thank all the members who emailed, telephoned, and traveled to Montgomery to advocate for passage of the bills. NPAA is extremely grateful for our healthcare partners and legislatures who played a role in getting the bills passed. 

Additionally, a extra special thanks is extended to Senator Jim McClendon and Representative April Weaver for introducing Senate Bill 46 and House Bill 429, respectively, and facilitating passage of these companion bills during this legislative session. Since House Bill 429 made it through the full Senate first, it will be the bill that becomes law. Once that happens, Alabama citizens will have the opportunity for improved access to care," said Robin Lawson, NPAA President.
NPAA Travel Grants

NPAA’s purpose of the funding the travel grants program is to support NPs in their professional development, and to advance the NP profession. The application period for the NPAA Travel Grant will be November 1- September 1, 2018.

Become a Provider/Preceptor

All NPAA members can become a provider or preceptor by completing a simple form. Login to your NPAA Members Account to sign up!

12th Annual NPAA Conference
"Speaking in One Voice: Fostering Evidence Based Practice"
NPAA is hosting its 12th Annual Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama Conference planned for Friday, September 14 through Saturday, September 15 at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. It will offer CEUs with pharmacology education including the required 4-hour continuing education requirement for renewal of the Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate for nurse practitioners who prescribe controlled substances.

This year's theme " Speaking in One Voice: Fostering Evidence Based Practice " will focus on best practices in advanced nursing practice, and include updates in pharmacological treatment. Also discussed will be a legislative update on the State and National arenas. There will be may opportunities to network with colleagues, students and sponsors. A unique group of companies will be exhibiting the latest offerings in services, educational programs, and other aspects of patient management.
Congratulations to Alabama's New Fellows of the
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP)!
Robin Lawson - Tuscaloosa, Current  NPAA President
Safiya George Dalmida - Tuscaloosa
Teena McGuinnes - Birmingham
Kathleen Rhodes - Harvest
Updated Pediatric Vaccine Information
P ediatric vaccine schedule updated: Click Here

Link to CDC website related to childhood vaccinations:   Click Here

The academy -- a leading group of U.S. pediatricians -- outlines the latest immunization schedule for children and teens in a new policy statement.

"There are specific windows of time when vaccines work the best to protect a child, and the schedule is designed to maximize these opportunities," statement author Dr. H. Cody Meissner said in an AAP news release.

Also recommended: an annual flu vaccine for children ages 6 months and older (unchanged from the 2017 schedule).

In addition, children aged 11-12 should receive two doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, while those older than 15 should get three doses.

The HPV virus has been linked to cancers of the cervix, vagina and vulva in women; cancers of the penis in men; and cancers of the anus and back of the throat in both women and men, according to the CDC.

The immunization schedule also provides additional information about the timing of the birth dose of a hepatitis B vaccine for infants weighing more than 4.4 pounds.

There's also a catch-up schedule for children and teens who start late or are more than a month behind in vaccines.

"Following the immunization schedule is the most important way to protect children as they grow into adulthood by keeping them free from vaccine-preventable diseases," said Meissner, a member of the AAP infectious disease committee.

A national team of medical experts and public health officials updates the schedule annually.

The AAP statement was published online Feb. 6 in the Journal of Pediatrics.
Support NPAA! Stand with us to make a difference!
The primary purpose of our organization is to coordinate and provide a mechanism for all NP groups in Alabama to speak with one voice concerning:
  • Utilizing NPs for the citizens of Alabama.
  • Advocating for professional privileges consistent with our educational preparation.
  • Advocating for issues of significant importance for the general welfare of NPs.
  • Improving the health and welfare of Alabama’s citizens by improving the healthcare delivery system within our state.