In this episode, Dr. Naila Russell provides an update on legislative efforts in Michigan affecting nurse practitioners, including bills on full practice authority and transportation. She shares insights on the legislative process, how nurse practitioners can advocate, and the importance of voting and engagement in healthcare policy.

Key topics:

• Legislative process in Michigan
• Full practice authority bill status
• Transportation and handicap placard legislation
• Voter engagement and advocacy
• Bipartisan support and political challenges
• Strategies for nurse practitioner advocacy

Takeaways:

• Passage of the bipartisan budget in summer 2023 set the stage for upcoming legislation.
• The handicap placard bill has passed in the House and is moving in the Senate, with testimony from nurse practitioners.
• Full practice authority faces opposition from organized medicine but has bipartisan support in Michigan.
• Engaging in voting and meeting with legislators is crucial for nurse practitioners to influence policy.
• Persistence and long-term advocacy are key, as legislative change often takes over a decade.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Legislative Context
01:07 Summer in Lansing: Budget and Legislative Focus
02:22 Progress on Handicap Placard and Plate Bill
04:26 Full Practice Authority: Challenges and Support
08:25 How Nurse Practitioners Can Advocate Now
10:14 Encouragement to Engage and Vote
11:25 Lessons from States with Full Practice Authority
12:33 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Resources:
Michigan Legislature Official Site - https://www.legislature.mi.gov/
AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) - https://www.aanp.org/

Theme music

• Keyboard, Bass: Clementine Kanfom
• Guitar: Tyler McDonald
• Drums: Andrew Padfield
• Mixed, Mastered: Andrew Padfield

Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP): Website

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