October 2019 Newsletter
13th Annual Conference: "Future of Health Care...Your Voice Matters to Your Patients and Your Profession"
The 13th Annual NPAA Conference was an overwhelming success! This year's theme, "Future of Health Care..Your Voice Matters to Your Patients and Your Profession", focused on best practices in advanced nursing practice and included updates in pharmacological treatment. 

Dr. Stephen Ferrara, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC and Executive Director for the Nurse Practitioner Association for the State of New York updated the NPAA Conference attendee's on the state of nurse practitioners nationwide and locally. Highlights of his enthusiastic presentation was 1) get involved in YOUR state organization and 2) KNOW the legislator's and legislation that affects NP practice nationally and locally. 

Over 300 participants took advantage of opportunities to network with colleagues, students and sponsors. A unique group of companies exhibited the latest offerings in services, educational programs, and other aspects of patient management.

NPAA Bylaw Revision
Please review the amended version of the Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama by-laws . The Bylaws Committee began reviewing and revising the by-laws in September, 2018 with the goal of developing bylaws that would serve as a foundation for the future of our organization. Please log into your NPAA member account on npalliancealabama.org to review the proposed changes.
Alabama Public Health Department Alert!
On May 15,2019, the State Committee of Public Health voted to make gabapentin a Schedule V medication, effective November 18, 2019. This decision was based on its potential for abuse and the need to properly monitor how it is prescribed in Alabama. Read the official release from Alabama Department of Public Health.
ALERT Letter 2019 10 07
(Specialty Referrals in the Alabama Coordinated Health Network (ACHN )
Alabama Coordinated Health Networks (ACHNs) began operation on October 1, 2019, and recipients were attributed to providers enrolled with Medicaid on that date. Referrals to specialists will continue to be required in the ACHN Program. Below are several key items related to the referral process that specialists need to be aware of during the transition to the ACHN Program:
  • Referrals dated prior to 10/1/2019 continue to be valid until the expiration date of the referral.
  • The recipient’s PCP should be contacted for a referral, if one is needed on or after 10/1/2019.
  • If the recipient does not have a PCP, then the specialist may contact the ACHN for a billing referral until a PCP can be identified for the recipient.
  • Specialists (including Oncologists and Hematologists) should not request PCP referrals from health departments, other specialists, or Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS).
  • Exception: Mobile and Jefferson County Health Departments are considered PCP Groups and should be available to provide a PCP referral to a specialist.

For details on provider types, specialties and services that require referrals, see Chapter 40 of the Provider Billing Manual. Chapter 40 is available on the following link: https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/Gated/7.6.1G_Provider_Manuals/7.6.1.4G_Oct2019/Oct19_40.pdf

President Signs Medicare Executive Order
On Thursday, October 3, the President signed an Executive Order entitled, Protecting and Improving Medicare for our Nation’s Seniors. Included in this Executive Order is the directive to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to propose reforms to the Medicare program, within one year of this order, that enables providers to spend more time with patients by eliminating burdensome regulatory requirements and authorizing all providers to practice at the top of their profession. Additionally, the Executive Order includes a provision that would ensure appropriate reimbursement for all providers and conducting a thorough review of regulatory policies that create disparities in reimbursement. AANP issued the following  statement  on the Executive order.
Need Travel Funds? Apply for a NPAA Travel Grant!
NPAA’s purpose of funding travel grants is to support NPs in their professional development and to advance the NP profession.

Travel grants are available to NPAA members who are in good standing and who are practicing in an NP role. Applicants must be certified registered nurse practitioners or graduate NP students expected graduate during the grant funding year. Students must submit verification of enrollment in a NP program to be eligible for consideration. Applicants may receive up to $250 in funding and must complete travel within one year of the award.
STANDING TOGETHER: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Join the Members of the Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama and become part of a group whose goal is to engage, retain, and advance nurse practitioners in Alabama through education, leadership development, and networking opportunities.
NETWORKING
LEADERSHIP
ENGAGEMENT