GNA Director APRN Molly Bachtel, DNP, APRN, FNP-C receives AANP State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate Excellence

October 23, 2020- Today we celebrate GNA Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Molly Bachtel, DNP, APRN, FNP-C for receiving the American Association of Nurse Practitioners' State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate Excellence.

Dr. Bachtel is an example of faithfulness, persistence, and laser-focus commitment to advancing the nursing profession in Georgia, in particular the ability of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice to the full scope of their education and training.

Dr. Bachtel was one of the key nurses who volunteered their time and efforts to ensure legislation SB 321 became law in the 2020 Legislative Session. SB 321 grants APRNs authority to order radiographic imaging tests in non-life-threatening situations as delegated by a physician.

 

Repost of AANP's official press release

"Dr. Molly Bachtel, DNP, APRN, FNP-C has been named recipient of the 2020 American Association of Nurse Practitioners® Georgia State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate Excellence.  These prestigious awards are given annually to a dedicated nurse practitioner (NP) and NP advocate in each state.  Recipients were to be honored at an awards ceremony and reception held during the AANP 2020 National Conference, June 23--28, in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the conference has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

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.

Dr. Bachtel is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing of Emory University. She has a NP clinical practice at Emory Student Health Service and at CHOA at Hughes Spalding.  Dr. Bachtel is currently serving as the APRN Director of the Georgia Nurses Association. She has been actively engaged with advocacy efforts to remove barriers to NP Practice for many years going back to 2006 when Georgia became the last state in the U.S. to allow NPs to sign their prescriptions. Partnering with the Georgia Coalition of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, she is currently actively working to support Georgia HB 1092 that would remove the current restrictions on NPs ordered advanced imaging in routine cases. Georgia is the only state in the country that does not allow NPs to order these tests without restrictions. Community members that are interested in learning more can visit: www.GeorgiansUnitedforHealthcare.org.

Dr. Bachtel resides in South Fayette County with her husband and six children. In the Fayette community, she has served as a both a Den Leader in Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Pack 201 and as Volunteer Camp Nurse, at the annual Cub Scout Day Camp Scouts sponsored by BSA Flint River Council, She is also been a Fayette Advisory Board Member with the National League of Junior Cotillions.

About the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

AANP is the largest national professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties, represents the interests of more than 270,000 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.