Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) are essential to the ever-changing emergency care
environment. Despite this role, ENPs often encounter barriers in practicing to their full scope and
recognition for significant contributions to delivery of safe, quality emergency care. In response,
AAENP has been advocating for all nurse practitioners in emergency care for over a decade
through:
- State and regional advocacy support, with access to representatives who can guide you through local efforts.
- Partnership with the Nursing Community Coalition to influence national policy.
- Creation of position statements clarifying AAENP’s stance on selected topics
- Communication to our members on legislation and opportunities to engage in advocacy campaigns.
Advocating for ENPs means:
- Supporting policies that allow ENPs to practice to the full extent of their education and
- training.
- Ensuring that ENPs have a seat at the table in healthcare leadership and emergency
- preparedness planning.
- Educating the public and policymakers about the value ENPs bring to emergency care,
- especially in underserved and rural areas.
- Relying on evidence-based research to inform policy conversations
Policy Shapes Practice
Policies at the state and federal levels determine what ENPs are legally allowed to do. Advocacy
efforts aim to influence these policies to expand ENPs’ scope of practice, especially in states
where restrictive laws limit their autonomy. AAENP advocates for robust support &
sustainability of the ENP workforce in many ways. Current efforts are focused on the following:
- Recognizing ENP as a distinct population focus within the APRN Consensus Model
- Supporting ENP practice to the full scope across all states
- Promoting workplace safety, mental health resources, and staffing standards
Join us as we work to increase the recognition of ENP practice!
By Melanie Gibbons Hallman, DNP, CRNP, CNS, FAEN, FAANP, FAAN