Members of the state’s APRN Alliance gather around Alaska Gov. Bill Walker just after the signing of SB 53, which brings Alaska into full alignment with the APRN Consensus Model, a key recommendation for state legislatures in the Institute of Medicine report. This standardization will mean less confusion on reimbursements by insurance companies, Medicare, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Alaska already allows nurses full practice authority.)

The bill was passed in July after four years of hard work. It was sponsored by Senator Cathy Giessel and lobbied for by the APRN Alliance.  It was also supported by the state Board of Nursing.

Pictured from left, Nan McGrath, Laura Sarcone, Tracey Weise, Ret. Board of Nursing Executive Administrator Nancy Sanders, Carrie Doyle, Gov. Bill Walker, Sen. Cathy Giessel, Lynn Hartz, Jessica Walsh, unidentified, Beth Farnstrom, and Jeff Worrell.