the ONLY state where APRNs can't write prescriptions!

mtnmom · Nov 14, 2005

Sarah,

thank you for taking notice of this important issue.

I am an FNP student myself so this issue is indeed close to my heart.

I am assuming that you are a nursing student in Georgia? If so, become involved!!! Rally your fellow students for letter-writing campaigns to legislators, and if at all possible, go to a session of the General Assembly when it is in session.

We are prisoners of a strong "good ol' boy" network...I believe that change will come but whether it will be in my lifetime of practice I can only pray for.

Also realize that MAG (Medical Association of Georgia) is the doctors' organization with a very strong lobbying power that has fought this for years.

Only through numbers can we win this battle so spread awareness and do something...dont just sit and complain about it.

Drysolong · Nov 14, 2005

It is my understanding that Physician's Assistants (PA's) can write prescriptions. Is this true. If so, does anyone know what the reasoning is that APRN's can't write prescriptions?

babynursewannab · Nov 14, 2005

We had a thread about this issue not too long ago.

The answer to that question is: The Medical Association of Georgia and, as another poster said, the good 'ol boy network.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2005

Give it time...eventually they will join the rest of our country, good ole boys or not. But yes, nursing needs to organize itself there and demonstrate its need for this type of service.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 15, 2005

Give it time...eventually they will join the rest of our country, good ole boys or not. But yes, nursing needs to organize itself there and demonstrate its need for this type of service.

Faith should never be lost. Best wishes to you all. :)

lindarn · Nov 15, 2005

I don't know if this would help, but many years ago in California, the Nurse Practitioners who worked for the Long Beach VA sued the State of California, because the VA was paying the Physicians Assisstants more than they were paying the Nurse Practitiones who had Masters Degrees. The nurses won. I would try to get a suit similar to the ARNPs in California, under a gender discrimination law. But see a lawyer, don't take my in your face NY opinion.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 15, 2005

I don't know if this would help, but many years ago in California, the Nurse Practitioners who worked for the Long Beach VA sued the State of California, because the VA was paying the Physicians Assisstants more than they were paying the Nurse Practitiones who had Masters Degrees. The nurses won. I would try to get a suit similar to the ARNPs in California, under a gender discrimination law. But see a lawyer, don't take my in your face NY opinion.
Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN
Spokane, Washington

Interesting point. :)

BamaBound2bRN · Nov 15, 2005

Ladies,

Please be careful when you talk about "Good O'l Boys" and Gender inequality. There are many fine Male Nurse Practitioners and (like me) wanabes. The problem here is that in most states, the lobbyists for APRN's have been successful- either thru the courts like in California or in the Legislature. But the problem is the law, and politicians generally will side with the MONEY. So, get a lobbying effort going to change some politicos thinking and the law.

BamaBound2bRN · Nov 15, 2005

Ladies,

Please be careful when you talk about "Good O'l Boys" and Gender inequality. There are many fine Male Nurse Practitioners and (like me) wanabes. The problem here is that in most states, the lobbyists for APRN's have been successful- either thru the courts like in California or in the Legislature. But the problem is the law, and politicians generally will side with the MONEY. So, get a lobbying effort going to change some politicos thinking and the law.

BamaBound- a future MALE nurse and a Good O'l Boy

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 15, 2005

Ladies,
Please be careful when you talk about "Good O'l Boys" and Gender inequality. There are many fine Male Nurse Practitioners and (like me) wanabes. The problem here is that in most states, the lobbyists for APRN's have been successful- either thru the courts like in California or in the Legislature. But the problem is the law, and politicians generally will side with the MONEY. So, get a lobbying effort going to change some politicos thinking and the law.
BamaBound- a future MALE nurse and a Good O'l Boy

I am sure the postee meant no harm, please try not to take it to the heart. :)

Besides if it were the case, IMHO gender inequality exists and therefore one should be able to touch the topic without others getting hurt. I am not an advocate of trying to cover the sun with my thumb........I am sure you can understand that.

God Bless,

Jess

mtnmom · Nov 15, 2005

Ladies,
Please be careful when you talk about "Good O'l Boys" and Gender inequality. There are many fine Male Nurse Practitioners and (like me) wanabes. The problem here is that in most states, the lobbyists for APRN's have been successful- either thru the courts like in California or in the Legislature. But the problem is the law, and politicians generally will side with the MONEY. So, get a lobbying effort going to change some politicos thinking and the law.
BamaBound- a future MALE nurse and a Good O'l Boy

When I use the term "good ole boy" in the context of this thread I am not in the least referring to male nurses and/or nurse practitioners.

What I refer to here is the "business as usual" mentality among the powers that be in our state government. Yes, the almighty dollar does rule...the MAG lobby has more funds and friends in high places than do the Georgia Nurses' Association. Also consider that the Georgia Legislature only is in session for a short time each year...Jan-March I think, and any potential bill giving APRN's prescriptive authority must not only clear committee, but then be given the nod by the Speaker of the House to even be brought up for vote before the Assembly. When influential members of these committees and the Speaker themselves are "in the pockets" of the medical lobby, as has been the case in the past, it is easy to see how this happens repeatedly.

We must be persistent to accomplish change. I have thought of one day running for office myself, but am by no means in a position to do that anytime in the near future. Until then I will have to confine my activism to the pen and to group rallies, etc when they occur. I also can urge colleagues in my state not to just sit by and let this keep happening but to do something themselves.

When APRN's finally do gain prescriptive authority, it will greatly improve access to care for all Georgians, especially those in rural, poor and/or underserved areas. we need to make the public aware of that.

sorry about the length, but as you can see I am passionate about this...