Ep 169: CRNA Advocacy in Pennsylvania and the Lessons Learned

Today we want to shine the advocacy spotlight on the work being done by CRNAs in Pennsylvania, who have helped drive some significant changes in their state. Laura Wiggins, DNP, CRNA and Jessica Poole, DNAP, CRNA are two of the nurses involved in shaping the legislation and they join us to share the details on what’s happening in the Keystone State and what it means for all of us in the profession.

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What we discuss in this episode: 

3:05 – Welcome Jessica and Laura  

4:32 – Background on Jessica

6:29 – Background on Laura

7:59 – Legislation they’ve been working on

11:11 – The opposition to it

13:03 – Board of Nursing’s position 

14:52 – Who makes these designations? 

18:38 – Other changes they’ve gotten enacted

22:15 – The physician requirement of Act 60

23:38 – Getting students involved in legislative issues

25:29 – Relationship with lobbyists  

27:03 – Developing relationships with legislators

30:07 – Compensating CRNAs to advocate

32:41 – Networking support from other groups

39:06 – CRNA practice during COVID in PA

41:12 – Getting involved in advocacy