The meeting was called to order by Anita Singleton, president, with a proclamation from Phil Stennet, Mayor of Joplin, in honor of “Advanced Practice Nurses Week.” There is reportedly 27,075 Advanced Practice Nurses in the state of Missouri. National Nurse Practitioner Week is Nov. 7-14. Gary Nodler sent a resolution as well as Gov. Bob Holden.

Meeting minutes were approved as read.

Old Business:

A. Our website, www.4stateapn.org, is still under construction with a goal to launch by Jan. 1, 2005.

B. Spring program — annual educational program pushed to Spring 2006 with Springfield’s program being held in the coming fall. Discussion was because of failing membership and lack of participation it might be best to focus energies on membership. Motion was made to pursue membership and put program on hold until Spring 2006. It was seconded and passed unanimously.

New Business:

A. Membership — ideas to honor graduates presented. This would include both spring and fall graduates. Volunteers were taken to be liaisons to new graduates to bring about awareness of the organization. Jackie Burris will be in charge of UMKC, and Nancy Willis-Smith will take care of PSU.

B. Meeting schedule — discussion on whether or not meeting should be held monthly or quarterly, included concerns that when meetings were held quarterly, members seemed to lose interested as a member when you missed meeting you seemed to lose contact. Also, it was stated as a benefit that the board would also be in closer contact. A motion was made and seconded to have meetings on a monthly basis. It was passed unanimously.

C. Official need for a formal audit — It was brought to the group’s attention that the organization needed a formal audit of its books. There is currently a balance of $3, 627. It was recommended that one or two people audit the records and report back to the membership. A committee was formed on volunteers as follows: Kip Davis, chair; with Julie Thomas, Luanna Evans and Jessie Gartner with a goal to meet mid December.

D. Nominating Committee — volunteers were accepted to form a nominating committee for the upcoming officers: Frank Tisdale, Jackie Burris and Kip Davis. They asked that members feel free to nominate self or others.

E. Executive Assistant — Mary Metzger resigned as assistant to the board. Discussion was initiated on the need for an administrative assistant and making this a formal paid position. It was felt that to meet the membership goals, outreach and maintaining our coming website, this would be a necessary position. Discussion included a Nov. 30 deadline for applicants and that the board interview and make the final decision on this candidate. The motion was made and seconded and passed unanimously.

Announcements:

A. Discussion of legislation for APN prescribing controlled substances will be in upcoming legislative session, January through May 2005. More information will be forthcoming. Mona has e-mail site and web links. Only six states including Missouri do not have controlled substance prescriptive powers.

B. Steve Evans was recognized by AANP. He submitted abstract on “Starting a Mobile Unit” for the National AANP meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Also, he was published in “Clinician News,” July/Aug., Most Interesting Patient.

C. Frank Tisdale also wanted to remind members that they received a $10 discount for yearly membership dues making them $88 per year. Also, to go to the AANP website to sign up for a free newsletter and monthly magazine.

Meeting adjourned, next meeting to be announced in January.

Minutes Submitted by Susan Pumphrey, Secretary