Get Active in the Chapter!

Many of us put forth an amazing amount of energy to host the annual meeting. Let’s keep that energy going! Let’s create a new vision and invigorate our chapter! What can the chapter do for YOU? Where do you see yourself plugging into it? What ideas do you have?? What are your priorities for the chapter?

Come to the next chapter meeting and share your ideas!

Get Involved - Legislative Action

Remember: If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.

One role of the Washington Chapter of ACNM is to inform midwives and the public of legislative issues that affect the practice of midwifery as well as the women and children we care for. Our legislative team keeps on top of federal and state issues and legislation and notifies members of the WA Chapter when action is needed.

Current Federal Legislative Efforts:

Bill #6627:  It looks like any day now the bill that ARNPs United of WA State (AUWS) is running will pass, since it is without cost to implement and simply clarifies that a current law will include ARNPs. This bill authorizes WA pharmacies to fill prescriptiopns written by ARNPs in other states or in bordering provinces of Canada.

The Midwifery Care Access and Reimbursement Equity Act of 2009 (H.R.1101/S. 662) is moving forward! Go to midwife.org/equitable_reimbursement.cfm to get the latest update.

ACNM has also advocated for CNMs in other areas of health care reform. Learn about the latest of these efforts at midwife.org/health_care_reform.cfm

Current State Legislative Efforts:

The Legislative Committee of ARNPs United of WA State is gearing up for another state legislative session, which begins January 11th, 2010. Learn about their top legislative issues at www.auws.org. Also, mark your calendars for Monday, February 8th, 2010 for WSNA Nurse Legislative Day. We need all ARNPs lobbying in Olympia to have our voices be heard!

Other legislative tidbits:

1. ACNM’s CapWiz: Members are encouraged to frequently visit CapWiz through ACNM's home page. This site offers very easy access to elected officials, legislative alerts and updates, and information on Capitol Hill Basics. The Media Guide through CapWiz allows you to contact local and national newspapers, TV and radio stations.
   
   
2. ARNPs United of WA State: This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting ARNP practice by coordinating educational, legislative, and networking activities of nurse practitioners throughout Washington State. Learn more about current state legislative efforts, past legislative successes, and other legislative topics by clicking on “legislative” on the home page. You can also learn how to obtain prescriptive authority by clicking on “Rx Authority” on the home page.
   
   
3. Our chapter’s legislative team:
   Our new CNM rep for ARNPs United of Washington State is Mary Paul Beckman, CNM.