KEYSTONE, Colo. — The Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses (CSAPN) welcomed nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) from across the state during its annual meeting held in conjunction with the National Nurse Practitioner Symposium (NNPS) in Keystone, Colorado. The event provided an opportunity for networking, professional engagement, and important discussions about the future of advanced practice nursing in Colorado.
CSAPN President Brandi Farrell, DNP, CPNP-AC/PC, and past-president Erica Plimpton, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC, attended the symposium and spent time connecting with Colorado APRNs and other NNPS participants throughout the conference. Their presence helped raise awareness of CSAPN’s mission to advocate for and support advanced practice nurses across the state.
One of the highlights of the event was a popular Summer Fun Giveaway organized specifically for Colorado APRNs. The giveaway provided an enjoyable opportunity for members and prospective members to engage with CSAPN representatives while learning more about the organization’s ongoing advocacy efforts and educational initiatives.
During the annual general membership meeting, attendees participated in an open and candid discussion regarding the future direction of CSAPN. Members shared their perspectives on the organization’s purpose, priorities, and opportunities for growth. The conversation focused on how CSAPN can continue to serve as a strong voice for APRNs throughout Colorado while meeting the evolving needs of its membership.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing Colorado’s regulatory framework for nurses and advanced practice register registered nurses. Michele Wolf, DNP, FNP – BC, the Colorado Nurses Association (CNA) board member who represents CSAPN on the CNA board, led a discussion on the Colorado Nurse Practice Act. The NPA is scheduled for its next sunset review during the 2027 legislative session, presenting an important opportunity to evaluate and shape the future of APRN practice, licensure, and prescriptive authority in Colorado. Under the current NPA, APRN’s must complete 750 hours of mentor prescribing experience to obtain full prescriptive authority.
Members expressed overwhelming support for maintaining and expanding nurse practitioner autonomy. Meeting participants affirmed their commitment to full practice authority and prescriptive authority without additional caveats, restrictions, or barriers, emphasizing the importance of allowing the APRN to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and clinical experience. Attendees noted that increased practice authority would improve healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved communities throughout Colorado. CSAPN members will continue to work with CNA and their lobbying team to accomplish these goals.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the board to share plans for the coming year. CSAPN has released it schedule of upcoming meetings and encouraged APRNs from across Colorado to participate.
Whether attending a single event or becoming a regular participant, members are invited to join colleagues for networking, advocacy, discussions, and professional development opportunities.
The board announced that one of its key goals for the coming year is to rotate meeting locations throughout Colorado. By expanding meeting sites beyond a single geographic area, CSAPN hopes to increase accessibility and involvement among APRNs statewide.
Upcoming meeting dates include:
- November 11, 2026
- January 13, 2027
- February 10, 2027
- April 14, 2027
CSAPN leaders encouraged all Colorado APRNs interested in advocacy, networking, leadership, and advancing the profession to become involved in CNA and CSAPN.
For more information about membership, upcoming meetings, or volunteer opportunities, APRNs may contact the CSAPN board at SIG30csapn@gmail.com. Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to follow and join the organization’s Facebook community, Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses, and the My CNA CSAPN group for updates, announcements, and future events. If you are not already a CNA and CSAPN member, contact Mark Longshore, CNA executive Director, Mark@coloradonurses.org.
As healthcare continues to evolve across Colorado, CNA and CSAPN remains committed to ensuring that APRNs have a strong voice and shaping policy, advancing practice, and improving access to quality patient care throughout the state.
