AHA podcast explores need for strong leadership of NPs, physician assistants

In an American Hospital Association podcast, AHA’s Advanced Practice Provider Leadership Advisory Group Chair Leslie Clayton, PA-C, says health systems need executive-level advanced practice provider leaders who are involved in strategic planning to ensure health systems best utilize the untapped potential of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Health systems should offer leadership development programs to these providers ─ who comprise 40% to 50% of their workforce ─ to utilize fully their skills to provide high quality, team-based patient care. Instead of emphasizing daily task management or schedules, advanced practice provider leaders should focus on broader workforce planning, professional development, quality safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, onboarding, privileging and credentialing. Clayton is program director for APP service at St. Paul, Minn.-based M Health Fairview.