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Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nursing

The Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nursing was formed in response to a growing need for better comprehensive health care for Floridians as well as a growing need for unity among the various groups of Advanced Practice Nurses of Florida. Dr. Bonnie Marting initiated the effort during her doctoral program to unify the growing number of Florida APRN groups. Prior to this effort, ARNPs were represented by the ARNP Task Force that was created to join the FNA, FANA, and the F-CNMs to advocate and educate legislators and the public. The ARNP Task Force was instrumental in passing our first Prescriptive Authority bill in 1987, but by 2004, the growing number of individual NP groups chose to create their own advocacy efforts for passing Controlled Substances Prescribing and Independent Practice. In 2006, it became evident that Florida APRNs needed to unite all the groups and build a stronger advocacy effort. 

Several early organizations that represented the interests of advanced practice nurses in Florida came together in what became the first Florida APRN Coalition meeting in Tallahassee, Florida, on March 14, 2007. The common goal was to build a forum from which to work to improve the capacity of APRNs, the healthcare, and ultimately the health of all Florida citizens. The Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses was formed to bring together agencies that represent Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and other advanced practice nurses. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are Registered Nurses with advanced education, knowledge, training and skills. In Florida, APNs must have a minimum of a master’s degree. APNs provide healthcare and services that includes diagnosing and treating illness and injury, health promotion, illness prevention, prescribing medications and the performance of many essential health care procedures. Representatives from key professional organizations were in attendance, including the Florida Nurses Association, the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network and several other professional organizations. The attendees discussed the health care challenges facing the citizens of Florida and pledged to dedicate their efforts to promote a healthy Florida through the realization of the full potential of all advanced practice nurses.

The Coalition is committed to creating and promoting creative solutions using advanced practices registered nurses to address the health care needs of all Floridians. The coalition hopes to coordinate efforts and activities being planned by coalition member organizations to provide maximum impact and effectiveness. The coalition also hopes to develop strategic programs to help promote the health and well-being of Florida citizens, with special attention towards underserved populations. With the growth of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, the coalition hopes to ensure citizens in the State of Florida have continued access to quality care provided by APNs.


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