MAAPPN List Serve News & Updates Winter/Spring 2025
Welcome to your roundup of important announcements, policy changes, professional development opportunities, and community updates. There’s a lot happening this spring—don’t miss out!
DEA Delays Telemedicine Rules Until December 2025
The DEA and HHS have officially delayed the effective date for two key telemedicine rules originally set to take effect in February, 2025.
New Effective Date: December 31, 2025
Understanding the Ryan Haight Act and Upcoming Telemedicine Rule Changes
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 requires an in-person medical visit before prescribing controlled substances. However, there’s an exception for providers practicing telemedicine under specific conditions.
The DEA is proposing new rules to:
- Create a Special Registration process for telemedicine providers
- Allow three types of Special Registration
- Strengthen prescription, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements
These changes aim to expand safe access to controlled medications through telemedicine, while also preventing misuse or diversion. Learn more or read the full proposal:
DEA-2023-0029 on regulations.gov
IFS Group for Therapists – Led by Allison Miller
Our colleague, psychologist Allison Miller, is launching an introductory Internal Family Systems (IFS) group just for therapists:
- Wednesdays, 12–1 PM (8 weeks via Zoom)
- $50 per session
- Allison brings deep expertise in psychotherapy, mindfulness, and IFS work
- Contact: Danielle Schuman-Olivier can provide Allison’s info
2025 KEY EVENTS AND DATES
- First Fridays, MAAPPN Board Meets 7:30 AM
- First Fridays, DEI Meets 1 PM
- April 16th Maria Gianans’ Peer Sup,7 PM
- April 25th NEAPNA Conference Newport, RI
- May 8 & 9 MCNP Conference, Westborough, MA
- June 8th MAAPPN Member Meeting In person 6 PM Papa Razzi Wellesly, MA
- July 16th Maria Gianans’ Peer Sup,7 PM
- Sept 26th MAAPPN Conference “Pearls of Practice II” Waltham, MA
Join the MAAPPN “AI White Paper” Sub-Committee
Interested in the intersection of AI and psych APRN practice? Join the AI White Paper Group under Grace Trivers, Chair of MAAPPN’s Practice, Policy, and Research Committee. This committee concerns itself with defining our best practices re: AI ethics, liability, how to use AI and advise BORN in developing policy.
Message from MCNP President Laura Black, DNP, FNP-C
Supporting new and early-career NPs is essential to our profession’s future. MCNP is expanding its “Transition to Practice Program” to include mentorship, structured support, and community engagement. Faculty, preceptors, mentors—you play a vital role in shaping the next generation. Encourage early-career NPs to get involved! Together, we build confident, competent professionals ready to thrive in complex healthcare systems.
New! MCNP Members-Only Facebook Group
Looking for connection and conversation with fellow NPs? Join the private MCNP Facebook Group—a space for networking, updates, and peer support. Join now and be part of the conversation!
Genomic Testing Resource Shared: Genesight testing resources have been posted to the MAAPPN listserve by Chad Freadman. Contact: chad.freadman@myriad.com
Save Your Spot: 2025 New England Regional NP Conference
May 8–9, 2025 | DoubleTree Hotel, Westborough, MA, Earn up to 21 CE hours, enjoy expert sessions, and network with colleagues in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.; Register by March 15 for $50 Early Bird Savings! Use Discount Code: JOINUS25 View Full Agenda & Register Now
ADDITIONAL TOPICS …
FDA Ends Clozapine REMS: MAAPPN members debate the risks and benefits of this new policy and reminder that good care includes checking the ANC and responding to sudden progressive drops.
REMINDER: DEI PROVIDES SPEAKER MEETINGS ON A REGULAR BASIS! For example, Chris Reeves, Senior Nursing Professional Development Specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital spoke on healthcare policy and DEI in a virtual MAAPPN DEI Committee meeting on March 7, 2025, at 1 PM!
Sublet in Arlington Center: Danielle Schuman-Oliver seeking a subletter for her sun filled office in Arlington Center on Thursdays or Fridays starting April 1, 2025.
Support for MCNP Bills:
The Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, is rallying support for the “PC4You bill” SD.1906 http://track.enpnetworkmail.com/ls/click?upn=u001./HD.3661, which addresses the primary care provider shortage and suggests reforms like eliminating copays and reducing administrative burdens . They request signatures for a letter to Governor Healey, aiming for over 1,000 supporters
SCAM ALERTS! Beware of false pretenses. Gretchen warns of a scam call impersonating the MA Board of Nursing to extract license numbers. Kathy received a ‘cold call’ from the “DEA” in March no call back – very fishy…
Adult Autism Resources: Neuropsych evaluation as there are different levels of autism (level i – 4) Here is a place that I have referred people to : https://www.npevaluation.com/assessment-evaluation; Also, don’t forget AANE for lots of resources including coaching, and therapy
URGENT REFERRALS : Several MAAPPN members requested assistance in making urgent referrals for patients in their practices. Several reasons included: medical complexity, patient relocation and sudden medical leave of provider. MAAPPN members step in and steps up!
DOCUMENTATION OF PSYCHOTHERAPY IN NOTES: The thread discusses BCBS pay incentives for psychiatrists THAT excluded nurse practitioners (the risks of devaluing our practices). Dr Abelard presented valuable billing information in the last MAAPPN Member meeting on Jan 22, 2025 and Kathllen Andolina sent a detailed list of psychotherapy phrases for proper documentation.