To our members and followers from Dr. Elaine Crain, February 8, 2022

Thank you all who took the time to answer our polling questions. For those of you who would like to voice their opinion, the poll remains open – click here. Answers were as expected, please see below for the breakdown.

Several have asked about the recent blitz of emails from AANP and NPAM strongly encouraging NPs to oppose the bill introduced to adopt the Compact in Maryland. As I said in my earlier letter (you can read it by clicking here), MAAPC has reviewed their arguments and has not found them to be reasonable. However, we reached out to AANP to see if there was enough common ground to negotiate a compromise.

So, to review:

• According to our poll from last week, 100% of respondents would support APRN Compact Licensure.
• The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation states (on page 14 of the report) ‘Foundational Requirements for Licensure Boards of nursing will: (8) allow for mutual recognition of advanced practice registered nursing through the APRN Compact.’
• MAAPC is acting in the interests of all 4 APRN groups with regards to the compact. We know that the Maryland CNS and CRNA associations are supporting the Compact bill.
• And significantly, neither the Maryland Compact bill nor NCSBN’s proposed APRN compact license, require an APRN to apply for a compact license. It is still an individual choice.

MAAPC encourages all advanced practice nurses of Maryland to support the Compact Bill as it is written.

The Compact Bill has been introduced into the Maryland Senate by Senator Addie Eckhardt and is entitled Senate Bill 154 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact. You can read the bill by clicking here and follow its progress here. The initial hearing is this Thursday, February 10, 2022

We strongly encourage you to write to your Senators and ask that they support this important piece of legislation. To find your Senator’s email, go to MAAPC’s legislative page (click here) for instructions and a sample email to request support.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent and significant matter.

 

Answers to poll

Do you support APRN Compact Licensure as outlined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)?

100% Yes

 

Would having a APRN Compact License change the way you practice?

100% Yes

 

Do you have an RN compact license in Maryland?

80% Yes

20% No

 

Or another state?

60% yes, DE, PA

40% no

 

Have you delivered any form of Telehealth during the COVID pandemic (allowed by the CARES Act)?

40% Yes - Not ideal in some cases but increases access for sure

60% No

 

Do you consider Telehealth beneficial to your practice?

100% Yes

 

60% of respondents were NPs and 40% were CNSs.