South Central Connecticut Chapter of AACN

Q&A with Lobbyist on CNS Full Practice Authority: Improving Patient Care Outcomes Through Legislative Reform

CE Information
1.0 contact hour
Completion Time
1 hour
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Overview

Specialties
Acute Care, Ambulatory Care, Critical Care, Educational/Research, Emergency/Trauma, Geriatrics, Hematology / Oncology, Hospice / Palliative, Management/Admin/Leadership, Medical/Surgical, Mental Health, Neonatal, Nursing Student, OB/GYN/L&D, Pediatrics, Professional Development, Psychiatric, and Womens Health

Join the CACNS Quarterly Education Meeting (QEM) for an engaging virtual Q&A session with Roxanne Gould, our lobbyist and legislative analyst, as we explore the ongoing journey toward Full Practice Authority (FPA) for California Clinical Nurse Specialists. This free session will highlight the key milestones CACNS achieved in 2025 and outline the next steps in advancing this pivotal initiative. FPA will empower California CNSs to practice to the full extent of their education and training—enhancing collaboration, improving care coordination, and driving better outcomes across healthcare settings.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the legislative process and how state laws affecting CNS practice authority are introduced, debated, and enacted.
  2. Identify some skills to effectively communicate with legislators, including how to find and contact local and state representatives who influence nursing practice legislation.
  3. Discuss some best practices for writing compelling advocacy letters and messages to legislators that clarify the role, importance, and value of CNSs and the benefits of full practice authority.
  4. List some strategies for engaging CNS colleagues and healthcare teams in advocacy efforts to unify the nursing voice and maximize impact on legislative outcomes.

Speakers

Elissa Brown
Elissa Brown MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FCNS
Mary Lawanson-Nichols
Mary Lawanson-Nichols MSN, RN, NP, CNS, CCRN, FCNS
Olena Svetlov
Olena Svetlov DNP, RN, AGNP, CNS, CCRN, ATCN, PHN, NE

Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist

Olena Svetlov, originally from Ukraine, embarked on her academic journey with a focus on Liberal Arts and pursued a Ph.D. As she transitioned to the United States, her passion for healthcare led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from California State University of Northridge through the Accelerated BSN program. Building on her commitment to advancing patient care, Olena furthered her education, obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Azusa Pacific University and completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Grand Canyon University in 2022. With a distinguished 17-year career in Critical Care, Olena has become a fervent advocate for enhancing patient care and empowering fellow nurses at the bedside. Her specialized focus lies in the art of hemodynamics and implementing prevention strategies to eliminate delirium in the ICU. Recognized for her expertise, she frequently shares her knowledge at local, regional, and national speaking engagements, aiming to empower others in the field. Beyond her professional commitments, Olena is deeply involved in volunteer work, currently serving as an Immediate President of the San Fernando Valley AACN chapter for the 2024-2025 term. Her dedication extends globally, contributing to the training of Stop the Bleed for Ukrainian civilians through YouTube and Telegram channels. Olena also supports professionals across borders by raising funds through her musical talents as a singer in the Kobzar Choir. In her leisure time, Olena finds joy in creating cherished moments with her family, which includes her husband, three children, a dog, a cat, two goldfish, and an impressive collection of five fish tanks.

Pamela Jane Nye
Pamela Jane Nye MS, RN, APRN-CNS, FCNS, CNRN

President and CEO at Neuroscience Nursing, Lt & Associate Professor, UCLA School of Nursing, Retired California Assoc. of Clinical Nurse Specialists Past President

Pamela Jane Nye, MS, RN, APRN-CNS, FCNS, CNRN is a well-known speaker/educator of nurses at the graduate school level, having taught neuroscience nursing as an Associate Professor at UCLA and UCSF . She has spoken nationally at many conferences across the United States. She is an entrepreneur, nurse leader, and clinical expert having years of experience in advanced practice.

Roxanne Gould
Roxanne Gould

Legislative Lobbyist

CE Information

This activity offers 1.0 contact hour to attendees.

Accredited by California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 16976.

Disclosures

The presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose. All content presented is free from commercial bias and reflects the independent views of the speakers.

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Presentation - Q&A with Lobbyist on CNS Full Practice Authority - Improving Patient Care Outcomes Through Legislative Reform
Duration: about 1 hour | Quality: HD
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