About CAPNAP

The California Association of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurses in Advanced Practice (CAPNAP) started in 1982, when a small group of masters prepared psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) gathered together to ensure the needs of this group of care providers and their clients were met on a statewide level. This small group grew into they current CAPNAP organization-this is an excellent example of how a grassroots organization can impact nursing practice and ensure quality healthcare for the public.

Today's CAPNAP is an active and vibrant association who

  • Serves as a resource to APRNs throughout the state. Questions raised by members and other interested APRNs are answered via direct contact, email, or on the web site. We welcome suggestions of all APRNs and especially our members.

  • Focuses on important legislation and regulation activities. Advice on legislative activity such as third-party reimbursement and advanced practice concern is provided through our ANA\C affiliation.

  • Provides continuing educational programs that focus on the role of the APRN in relation to the changing health care environment, and issues related to practice and providing quality care to patients and families.

  • Publishes articles in The Nursing Voice, the quarterly ANA\C Newsletter. Through this important publication, important information regarding nursing practice, legislative, regulatory and policy updates, changes in practice standards, ethical issues, updates in ANCC certification, notification of continuing education programs locally, nationally, and internationally, and employment opportunities can be shared.

CAPNAP is dedicated to being a voice for you, advocating for your right to practice with respect, autonomy, and the recognition of the important work you do.

 

CAPNAP became an affiliate of the American Nurses Association California (ANA\C) in 2005 and this relationship has been a benefit to members of CAPNAP because we reap the benefits of a larger organization who works on our behalf to advance causes important to CAPNAP members. The advantages of this relationship are

  • CAPNAP board meetings and committee activities will be staffed and staff will coordinate facilities, agenda's, and provide reports as defined by the board.

  • ANA\C staff will maintain the membership database including notices of renewal as defined in CAPNAP policies.

  • ANA\C staff will maintain records and archives of CAPNAP as defined in CAPNAP policies.

  • ANA\C staff will maintain financial records, balance the accounts, and provide reports to the board and membership as defined by CAPNAP policy.

  • Together CAPNAP and ANA\C will develop a legislative agenda supporting or opposing bills that may affect the nurse provider and/or our clients. The ANA\C lobbyist will coordinate legislative advocacy on our behalf.



    The work of CAPNAP is accomplished by a board of elected officers and all activities are directed by an executive director. Meet the officers and support staff.

CAPNAP Board of Directors 2009Your CAPNAP Board of Directors

President

Elissa Brown, MSN, APRN BC, CNS
213-760-3595 (Cell)
818-891-7711 (Work)
Email: elissarn@mindspring.com

 

Vice-President

Virginia Wittig

Secretary

LuAnn Sanderson, MSN, APRN, BC, CNS
785-393-2520 (Cell)
310-478-3711 ext 49620 (Work)
Email: luann.sanderson2@va.gov


Treasurer

Muriel Janes, MN, CNS
310-502-5175 (Cell)
213-738-2466 (Work)
Email: mjanesz@aol.com
Email: mjanes@lacdmh.org

 

Board Member

Nancy G. Brown, MN, CNS
310-839-6160 (Cell)
323-298-3253 (Work)
Email: ngbrown173@aol.com

 

Consultant

Honorable Tricia Hunter, MN, RN
916-447-7821 (Office)
916-837-1629 (Cell)
Email: capnap@anacalifornia.org

 

When you become a member of CAPNAP, all these resources become available to you. Become a member today.