With the successful passage of AB 890 in 2020, Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs) in California demonstrated their ability to drive meaningful legislative change.
As a DNP, you’ll have the choice of working a wide range of jobs – that is to say, “DNP” is a versatile qualification, one that can be utilized to suit a wide range of skill sets. While some DNPs choose to stay in medical or educational settings, others might use their ability as empathetic listeners, researchers, and communicators to connect gaps in healthcare coverage for patients in California.
By leveraging both their clinical expertise and leadership roles, DNPs can engage directly with legislative processes, advocating for laws and regulations that reflect the real needs of patients and healthcare providers alike.
Change in Action: AB 890
Passed in 2020, AB 890 is a law designed to give nurse practitioners more autonomy, meaning they can practice independently without the need for a physician’s supervision. The idea behind AB 890 is to make healthcare more accessible, particularly in underserved areas, where there’s often a shortage of doctors.
AB 890 creates two new categories of NPs:
- Those who can practice independently after completing a specific transition period
- Those who can practice in more limited settings.
For example, after meeting certain qualifications and gaining experience under supervision, NPs can work on their own in most healthcare environments. This change is especially important in California, where the demand for healthcare services is growing rapidly.
For DNPs, the passage of AB 890 marked the opportunity for a sea change in nursing practice.
This law allows them to use their full training and expertise to provide patient care without having to rely on a physician’s oversight. It’s also part of a larger trend across the U.S. to give advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) more freedom in their practice, which many believe will lead to better healthcare outcomes overall.
Opportunities for Influence: DNPs in Healthcare Policy
Beyond legislative advocacy like this, DNPs have ample opportunities to influence healthcare through research and public health initiatives. By conducting research that highlights the effectiveness of different healthcare practices, DNPs provide invaluable data that can inform policy decisions. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, DNPs played a crucial role in promoting telehealth services, ensuring that patients could continue to receive care safely and conveniently. Their research-backed advocacy helped to cement telehealth as a viable and essential component of modern healthcare.
In educational settings, DNPs contribute to shaping the curriculum and training programs for future healthcare professionals. Their insights ensure that new nurses are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare system. By influencing the education and training of the next generation, DNPs help to foster a workforce that is capable, adaptable, and ready to take on the challenges of modern healthcare. This educational influence also extends to policy, as well-trained healthcare professionals are better equipped to implement and advocate for effective health policies.
How Can I Become an Advocate as a DNP?
Many DNPs balance their advocacy work with their clinical responsibilities, continuing to work in medical settings while championing policy changes that enhance patient care.
This dual role allows them to bring firsthand clinical experience into policy discussions, ensuring that the realities of patient care are reflected in legislative decisions. Whether it’s participating in healthcare boards, providing expert testimony, or collaborating with lawmakers, DNPs leverage their clinical insights to advocate for meaningful changes in healthcare policy.
However, not all advocacy work requires DNPs to be on the frontlines of patient care.
Some DNPs may transition into roles that are more office-based, focusing on policy analysis, research, and legislative advocacy full-time. In these positions, DNPs might work for healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, or professional nursing associations. Their day-to-day tasks could include analyzing health policies, writing policy briefs, developing advocacy strategies, and building coalitions to support healthcare initiatives.
While they might not be as fast-based as medical environments, these unconventional nursing roles are crucial in shaping the healthcare landscape and ensuring that policies are evidence-based and geared towards improving patient outcomes.
Regardless of the setting, the essence of advocacy as a DNP lies in the ability to influence and drive change. Whether they are in a hospital, clinic, or office, DNPs utilize their advanced education and clinical expertise to push for policies that promote better healthcare access, quality, and equity. They often engage in public speaking, community outreach, and professional networking to amplify their advocacy efforts. By combining their practical knowledge with a passion for policy, DNPs play a pivotal role in transforming the healthcare system to better serve all populations.
Key Areas of Influence for DNPs in California
DNPs in California are key players in driving changes that make a real difference in how healthcare is delivered across the state. Some of the key focus points for DNPs over the last several years have been:
- Expanding Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners: DNPs have been pivotal in advocating for legislative changes that allow nurse practitioners to practice independently. The passage of AB 890 is a prime example, which now allows NPs to provide care without physician oversight in many settings.
- Telehealth Expansion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, DNPs pushed for policies that expanded telehealth services. This change has been crucial in ensuring patients, especially those in remote areas, could continue receiving care without physical visits to healthcare facilities.
- Public Health Initiatives: DNPs are often involved in public health campaigns, such as vaccination drives, chronic disease management programs, and mental health services. Their leadership helps to implement effective strategies that enhance community health outcomes.
- Healthcare Workforce Development: DNPs contribute to shaping educational programs and policies that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Their input ensures that training programs are aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare system.
- Health Policy Research and Advocacy: DNPs conduct and apply research to advocate for evidence-based policies. Their work helps legislators understand the implications of potential laws and make informed decisions that improve healthcare quality and accessibility
These examples just scratch the surface of the impactful work that DNPs are doing in California. They’re not just influencing policy—they’re actively shaping the future of healthcare. By advocating for changes that enhance patient care and expand access to services, DNPs are making a lasting difference in the lives of countless Californians. Whether it’s through legislative advocacy, public health initiatives, or educational reforms, their contributions are invaluable.
Challenges and Opportunities
For Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) professionals in California who are focused on advocacy, there are both exciting opportunities and significant challenges.
One of the biggest opportunities lies in the growing recognition of the value that DNPs bring to the healthcare system, particularly in the areas of policy influence and leadership. With the passing of laws like AB 890, which expands the scope of practice for NPs, DNPs demonstrated their unique ability to advocate for further advancements in healthcare access, quality, and equity.
Their advanced training equips them to engage in high-level discussions about healthcare reform, collaborate with policymakers, and lead initiatives that can shape the future of nursing and patient care in the state.
However, these opportunities come with challenges. One major hurdle is the ongoing resistance from some sectors of the medical community, who may be hesitant to support the expanded role of NPs and DNPs in autonomous practice. This resistance can manifest in legislative pushback, limiting the extent to which DNPs can fully leverage their skills in practice and advocacy. Additionally, DNPs must navigate complex healthcare policies and regulations that can vary significantly across different regions of California. Balancing their clinical responsibilities with advocacy work also requires strong time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to build coalitions and effectively communicate the needs and benefits of advanced nursing practice to a diverse audience, including legislators, healthcare administrators, and the public.
Despite these challenges, the advocacy efforts of DNPs are crucial in advancing the profession and improving healthcare outcomes. By continuing to push for policies that support nurse-led initiatives and address systemic barriers, DNPs can play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and effective healthcare system in California.