Nursing Professors Advocate for Nurse Practitioners

Assistant professors from St. John Fisher University’s Wegmans School of Nursing Dr. Desiree’ M. Branson, former president of The Nurse Practitioner Association (NPA), and Dr. Henry Moscicki, NPA President-Elect, are in pursuit of breaking down barriers in support of nurse practitioners in New York State.

Branson and Moscicki headed to Albany on March 17 for NPA Advocacy Day. They collaborated with other nurse practitioners across the state to meet with legislators and discuss current legislation affecting nurse practitioners’ practice and patient advocacy; allowing all nurse practitioners licensed in New York to practice at the highest level of education and provide the best quality care to patients.

The primary issue of discussion was the perpetuity of the Nurse Practitioner Modernization Act 2.5, expanding the independent scope of practice.

“Nurse practitioners provide high quality, evidence-based and culturally competent care to patients,” said Branson. “In addition, we improve clinical outcomes, provide cost-effective care and are trusted members of the health care team. Nurse practitioners in New York state  are strong patient advocates—contributing to health care reform, reducing health care disparities, and removing barriers to care.”

Branson and Moscicki have been proud members of the NPA for over 10 years and have served in various board positions including president and regional director of the organization’s Region 2; serving the areas of Greater Rochester, Finger Lakes, Susquehanna, and Tompkins Cortland.

This article was written by Brooke Eastman, a senior media and communication major. Eastman currently works in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fisher for the spring 2025 semester.