New York State Department of Health Recognizes National Nurse Practitioner Week
Department Celebrates the Contributions of Nurse Practitioners Across the State
ALBANY, N.Y. (November 15, 2024) - The New York State Department of Health recognizes National Nurse Practitioner Week, observed November 10-16, by raising awareness about the critical role that Nurse Practitioners play in health care and celebrating their contributions to public health.
"Empathy, expertise and effectiveness are some of the words that come to mind when I think of Nurse Practitioners. They are a critical part of the health care team and have the privilege of impacting the lives of their patients each and every day." State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "This week we recognize their impact, dedication and unwavering commitment to improving the health and wellness of New Yorkers."
Nurse Practitioners provide primary, acute and specialty health care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. They assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses and initiate and manage treatment plans, including prescribing medications. There are over 31,000 Nurse Practitioners in New York State.
In 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Nurse Practitioner Modernization Act into law in the state budget. It granted nurse practitioners the ability to provide the full scope of services they are educated and clinically trained to provide without the collaboration of a licensed physician.
Established by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in 1994, National Nurse Practitioner Week was created to honor the dedication, expertise, and contributions of Nurse Practitioners across the nation.
The Department extends its appreciation to Nurse Practitioners for their exceptional work, commitment to improving the health of New Yorkers and selflessness.
