FNPN JOINS WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS AT THE FLORIDA HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY SUMMIT

As an organizational member of The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), FNPN representatives  again attended the annual Health Care Affordability Summit in Orlando on January 29-31, 2014. This sold out event again highlighted several Legislators and national keynote speakers on health care issues from a business perspective.

Senator Jose Olivia moderated a panel  that will included AANP VP for State Health Policy, Dr. Taynin Kopanais. Tay was recommended by FNPN to serve on the panel and we are delighted she was able to do this for our state NPs! Tay recently represented Florida NPs at our Capital speaking on a special panel January 10th for the House Select Committee on Workforce Innovation. Hopefully you have looked at the 3 hr. video of that session which included several of our FNPN members and fellow NPs giving well received testimony.

AIF is a powerful lobbying interest that can get things done and has been known as the Voice of Business in Florida since 1920. Healthcare and workforce innovation are key issues for this upcoming legislative session and the conference topics gave insight to how others are thinking this year and what the future might hold. NPs are in good standing for helping our state meet these workforce demands, but only if barriers and regulatory restrictions are removed.

FNPN has been working diligently with many legislators on the workforce issue and they are listening! We want to recognize Representative Cary Pigman, an ED physician in District 55 and Vice chair of the House Select committee on Workforce Innovation for his keen insight on what needs to get done in health care and how to make it work including using NPs to their full potential and education.

Representative Matt Hudson from Naples is also on the Select Committee and is also Chair of the House Healthcare Appropriations Subcommittee.  During the AIF Health Care Affordability Summit  served as the moderator for the Employer Innovations Panel aimed at exploring how employers are assisting their employees in maintaining their health. He truly understands how NPs can help Florida achieve a better health care system that includes the workplace.

Other topics during the summit included: Teleheath (a bill currently in the legislature), Health Care Coverage with implementation of PPACA, and the High Cost of Poor Health. Timely great topics that will lead us into the March Legislative Session.