What is Advocacy?
Advocacy is representing and promoting the interests of individuals or a specific group.
What role does Advocacy play at the NPI?
Advocacy has been a cornerstone of the NPI since its inception. Due to the hard-working efforts of NPI members, the Idaho State Nurse Practice Act was amended in 2004 to eliminate the requirement for supervision. This established a standard for collaborative practice with other healthcare providers for Idaho nurse practitioners under statute and rules regulated solely by the Board of Nursing.
Today, the NPI is the voice of the profession at the local and state level, with the Idaho Legislature, Governor's office, regulatory agencies, the healthcare community, businesses, and consumers. The NPI Advocacy Program represents and protects the interest of NPs, thereby advancing the profession and increasing visibility and viability of NPs. The NPI has an outstanding and highly effective Advocacy Program with a successful track record, and it continues to be a primary focus for the NPI.
Locate your district legislators: www.legislature.idaho.gov
How does the NPI's Advocacy Program work?
The NPI lobby team consists of the NPI professional staff, lobbyists and the Government Affairs Committee. Together with the NPI Board of Directors, Chapters and members, we identify key issues that impact NPs. Legislative initiatives and outreach programs are then developed to address these issues and expand opportunities for NPs.
Our team works tirelessly to introduce, monitor and lobby for legislation with members of the Idhaho Legislature, Congressional delegation, State agencies and key influencers and health care stakeholders to advance and advocate for the profession.
Alerts and updates are sent to members to keep them informed and advised about key initiatives. When necessary, the NPI also galvanizes members into action by providing instructions and form letters to personalize and send to key legislators and/or the Governor's office.
Why is Advocacy important for NPs?
Advocacy helps ensure that NPs are (1): empowered to practice within their full legal title and scope, and (2) empowered to use their professional judgment without the interference of others, resulting in increased autonomy for NPs and increased value for their services - providing them with greater opportunities in the healthcare market.
Why should I care about Advocacy issues that are not related to me and my practice?
Sometimes it is difficult to know how a particular issue might impact you in the future. Even though a specific issue may not be important to you and your practice today, it could be tomorrow. Conversely, an issue of utmost importance to you now might not be important to other NPs. It's important, therefore, for members to support all initiatives of the Advocacy Program. Working together, we can make a difference for all NPs by maintaining a strong organization and a united voice.
What has been the impact of the NPI's Advocacy Program?
The NPI's Advocacy Program has been highly successful, achieving significant legislation since 1998 that has expanded opportunities for NPs. In addition, NPI is highly respected as a knowledgeable source of information about key issues affecting NPs. We have become the "go to" organization for accurate and timely information, assessment and comments on NP issues for national and state government officials, legislators, and the media, thereby raising the profile of NPs and their role in healthcare.
If the NPI's Advocacy Program helps all NPs in Idaho, why do I need to belong to the NPI and support the Advocacy Program?
The NPI's Advocacy Program would not exist without the support of the NPI membership, and therefore affects all NPs practicing in the state. By becoming a member of the NPI, you provide the essential resources we need to continue our work on your behalf and on behalf of the profession. Raising the profile of NPs and their critical role in the future of healthcare delivery has never been more important. The more members we have who are involved in and support the NPI, the greater our voice and impact.
Advocacy Matters to You!
What if legislation passed that limited your practice as an NP? What if NPs were prevented or restricted from performing services vitally important to patient care? What if you had difficulty finding a job because your value was diminished in the marketplace compared to other healthcare professionals?
All would have negative impact on how, where, and if you practice. NPI monitors issues affecting NPs and makes sure your interests are protected! Get involved in the NPI Advocacy Program!
To learn more about how you can get involved, contact us.