State Representative Cook Receives American Association of Nurse Practitioners® Connecticut State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate Excellence
I was honored as the recipient of the 2019 American Association of Nurse Practitioners State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate Excellence during the Connecticut Advanced Practical Registered Nurse Society’s conference reception Thursday night.
This prestigious national award is given annually to a dedicated nurse practitioner (NP) and NP advocate in each state. I will also be honored at an awards ceremony and reception held during the AANP 2019 National Conference, June 18 to 23, in Indianapolis.
I am honored to be recognized as a 2019 State Advocate by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners for my dedication to key public health issues and those concerning nurse practitioners. I will continue to advocate for policies that protect Connecticut residents’ right to healthcare and address barriers to access.
As a member of the legislature's Public Health, Education, Human Services and Legislative Management Committees, I was nominated for my extensive work on issues affecting the health and wellbeing of Connecticut residents, particularly Public Act 14-12, which expanded the scope of practice for advanced practical registered nurses (APRN), allow them to practice the full extent of their education and training. It also expanded access to care in underserved areas of Connecticut.
In addition to this critical piece of legislation, I have worked to solicit input from advanced practical registered nurses on key issues such as the opioid crisis, the registration of sober homes and imposing limits on the prescription of medication to friends and family members.
“Michelle has been a health policy champion for issues affecting NP practice and the residents of CT,” said Lynn Rapsilber. “She works across the aisle to garner support for legislation, which promotes high quality and access to care for the residents of CT.”
The State Award for NP Excellence, founded in 1991, recognizes an NP in each state who demonstrates excellence in practice. In 1993, the State Award for NP Advocate Excellence was added to recognize the efforts of individuals who have made a significant contribution toward increasing awareness and recognition of the NP role.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the largest national professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties, represents the interests of more than 248,000 licensed NPs practicing in the U. S. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®, AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers. To locate a nurse practitioner, go to npfinder.com. For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.