Ep 169: CRNA Advocacy in Pennsylvania and the Lessons Learned

Today we want to shine the advocacy spotlight on the work being done by CRNAs in Pennsylvania, who have helped drive some significant changes in their state. Laura Wiggins, DNP, CRNA and Jessica Poole, DNAP, CRNA are two of the nurses involved in shaping the legislation and they join us to share the details on what’s happening in the Keystone State and what it means for all of us in the profession.   Read more: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss in this episode:  3:05 – Welcome Jessica and Laura   4:32 – Background on Jessica 6:29 – Background on Laura 7:59 – Legislation they’ve been working on 11:11 – The opposition to it 13:03 – Board of Nursing’s position  14:52 – Who makes these designations?  18:38 – Other changes they’ve gotten enacted 22:15 – The physician requirement of Act 60 23:38 – Getting students involved in legislative issues 25:29 – Relationship with lobbyists   27:03 – Developing relationships with legislators 30:07 – Compensating CRNAs to advocate 32:41 – Networking support from other groups 39:06 – CRNA practice during COVID in PA 41:12 – Getting involved in advocacy