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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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} .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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} .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.
“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.
Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.
States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.
The APRN Full Practice Authority Act
Enter the APRN Definitions bill (formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.
Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.
Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.
This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing from committee to be voted on by the legislature.
The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.
What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?
Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”
Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.
She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.
When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.
References
DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 459–467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008 (Abstract available here)
Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. Nursing Outlook, 73(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024 (Article available here)
Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 7(7), CD001271. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3
Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). Follow the money: The save act. Carolina Journal.
Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x (Abstract available here)
This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the AARP North Carolina page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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"name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Online Event
Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Online Event
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Online Event
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
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include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a 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'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton 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=> 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.“In Greenville most" name="description"/> <meta content="Opening, Doors, Bill, Improve, Healthcare, Access, Costs" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/opening-doors-a-bill-to-improve-healthcare-access-and-costs-nc-2025-04-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e680173/2147483647/strip/true/crop/8192x5266+0+99/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F41%2F81%2F9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed%2Fgettyimages-1497742165.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Opening Doors: A Bill to Improve Healthcare Access and Costs</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/09/25 by <b>Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CCRN</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/41/81/9c2657a244049b16ef9c408380ed/gettyimages-1497742165.jpg" alt="Hiring an Independent Caregiver" width="8192" height="5464"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>Heather, a Greenville North Carolina resident, lost her primary care provider and a year later, she still does not have a new PCP.<br><br>“In Greenville most of the PCPs are not accepting patients, and when they do it is a minimum of a six month wait to get an appointment,” she said.<br><br>Many North Carolina legislators and healthcare advocates say that changing laws for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) will alleviate access and cost challenges. North Carolina currently requires most APRNs to have a supervising physician, even though their training and education prepares them for full practice authority.<br><br>States that have allowed APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education — aka "full practice authority" — have seen improved care, cost savings, and greater access to healthcare.<br><br><b>The APRN Full Practice Authority Act</b><br><br>Enter the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.ncnurses.org/about-ncna/latest-news/nc-legislators-addressing-healthcare-cost-access-with-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <b>APRN Definitions bill</b> </a></span></span>(formerly the SAVE Act) filed this March by North Carolina legislators. It aims to address the health care shortage by allowing APRNs to practice independently.<br><br>Representative Donna White, who has supported this legislation since 2013, said that North Carolina has spent a substantial amount to attract physicians into rural areas and they do not stay. APRNs are willing to fill the gap in rural areas.<br><br>Besides increasing the number of providers and improving rural access to healthcare, White said the legislation will have financial benefits as well. She said it is estimated that the bill will save the state over $650 million per year on healthcare costs.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/02/4d/02a4f9d64ca886fbc9e35a846679/gettyimages-82959958-1.jpg" alt="Close-up of stethoscope on US dollar bills" width="5700" height="3800" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 300px;"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>This is the sixth consecutive session to see this bill introduced. Opponents of the bill are primarily physician groups, although many individual physicians support APRNs having full practice authority. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/follow-the-money-the-save-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The physician groups have put a significant amount of money into preventing the Act passing</a></span></span> from committee to be voted on by the legislature.<br><br>The American Medical Association argues that APRNs lack extensive training and experience, increase costs by ordering more tests and prescribing more medications, and that patient safety is at risk. A review of research showed that these claims are not true. It should also be noted that in North Carolina, supervision can be provided by a physician who is not physically near. It is a paperwork requirement.<br><br><b>What can AARP members do to propel the legislation to a vote?</b><br><br>Senator Gale Adcock, co-sponsor of the bill, said AARP members can advocate for the bill with the legislators for their area, “where the member’s power lies is in their ability to make it real to the people that represent them.”<br><br>Adcock said voters 50 and older are most likely to influence legislation. “They have a lot of power, and they're listened to,” Adcock said.<br><br>She recommends that people meet with or call their representatives and tell them specifically why more access and lower costs are important to them.<br><br>When it comes to calling your representatives, AARP can help. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/secure/ask-your-legislators-support-aprn-full-practice-authority-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to show your support for better health access and lower costs.</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>References</b><br><br>DePriest, K., D’Aoust, R., Samuel, L., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Hanson, G., & Slade, E. (2020). Nurse practitioners’ workforce outcomes under implementation of Full Practice Authority. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>68</i>(4), 459–467. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.05.008</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(20)30155-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Dunbar-Jacob, J., & Rohay, J. M. (2025). State health and the level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. <i>Nursing Outlook</i>, <i>73</i>(1). <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024</a></span></span> (Article available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.nursingoutlook.org/article/S0029-6554(24)00212-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br>Laurant, M., van der Biezen, M., Wijers, N., Watananirun, K., Kontopantelis, E., & van Vught, A. J. (2018). Nurses as substitutes for doctors in primary care. <i>The Cochrane database of systematic reviews</i>, <i>7</i>(7), CD001271. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001271.pub3</a></span></span><br><br>Opeka, T., & Kraemer, B. (2023, April 11). <i>Follow the money: The save act</i>. Carolina Journal.<br><br>Poghosyan, L., Timmons, E. J., Abraham, C. M., & Martsolf, G. R. (2019). The economic impact of the expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice for Medicaid. <i>Journal of Nursing Regulation</i>, <i>10</i>(1), 15–20. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://doi.org/10.1016/s2155-8256(19)30078-x</a></span></span> (Abstract available <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/article/S2155-8256(19)30078-X/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></span></span>)<br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-carolina/" target="_blank">AARP North Carolina</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr6800d94e9c1c1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180bb0c4e268f7f8bb897', 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'South Charleston', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'south-charleston-wv' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Dunbar', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'dunbar-wv' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Cross Lanes', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'cross-lanes-wv' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'Institute', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'institute-wv' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Tad', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tad-wv' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Pinch', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'pinch-wv' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Hernshaw', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'hernshaw-wv' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Belle', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'belle-wv' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Saint Albans', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'saint-albans-wv' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Elkview', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'elkview-wv' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Nitro', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'nitro-wv' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Tornado', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'tornado-wv' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Blount', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'blount-wv' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Upper Falls', 'state' => 'WV', 'sef_url' => 'upper-falls-wv' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 2 => 'dunbar-wv', (int) 3 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 4 => 'institute-wv', (int) 5 => 'tad-wv', (int) 6 => 'pinch-wv', (int) 7 => 'hernshaw-wv', (int) 8 => 'belle-wv', (int) 9 => 'saint-albans-wv', (int) 10 => 'elkview-wv', (int) 11 => 'nitro-wv', (int) 12 => 'tornado-wv', (int) 13 => 'blount-wv', (int) 14 => 'upper-falls-wv', (int) 15 => 'blue-creek-wv', (int) 16 => 'winifrede-wv', (int) 17 => 'ashford-wv', (int) 18 => 'poca-wv' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},charleston-wv', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en Virginia Occidental', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'charleston-wv-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'West Virginia', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state=West+Virginia', 'term' => 'in Charleston', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/WV?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGWV-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'West Virginia', 'contactus_email' => 'WVAARP@aarp.org ', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpwv', 'state_contract_id' => '56037', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/west-virginia.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5763161969001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-west-virginias-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-wv-2020-08-05.html', 'State_Label' => 'West Virginia's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-west-virginia-wv-2021-02-04.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'charleston-wv', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/elecciones-guia-para-votar-virginia-occidental', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/WestVirginia.pdf', 'full_state' => 'West Virginia', 'county' => 'Kanawha', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -81.635398864746, (int) 1 => (float) 38.353298187256 ), 'latitude' => (float) 38.353298187256, 'longitude' => (float) -81.635398864746, 'city_state' => 'Charleston, WV', 'city_state_search' => 'Charleston WV,Charleton WV', 'pilot_name' => 'Charleston', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'community_id' => (int) 72, 'community_name' => 'Charleston', 'community_state' => 'WV', 'community_region' => 'South', 'brightspot_region' => 'charleston-wv', 'title' => 'Charleston, WV', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'CHARLESTON', 'tracking_code_state' => 'WV', 'ad_state' => 'wv', 'ad_city' => 'charleston', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '25301', 'sef_url' => 'charleston-wv', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/charleston-wv/', 'alt_names' => 'Charleston,Charleton', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '25301', (int) 1 => '25302', (int) 2 => '25303', (int) 3 => '25304', (int) 4 => '25305', (int) 5 => '25306', (int) 6 => '25309', (int) 7 => '25311', (int) 8 => '25312', (int) 9 => '25313', (int) 10 => '25314', (int) 11 => '25315', (int) 12 => '25317', (int) 13 => '25320', (int) 14 => '25321', (int) 15 => '25322', (int) 16 => '25323', (int) 17 => '25324', (int) 18 => '25325', (int) 19 => '25326', (int) 20 => '25327', (int) 21 => '25328', (int) 22 => '25329', (int) 23 => '25330', (int) 24 => '25331', (int) 25 => '25332', (int) 26 => '25333', (int) 27 => '25334', (int) 28 => '25335', (int) 29 => '25336', (int) 30 => '25337', (int) 31 => '25338', (int) 32 => '25339', (int) 33 => '25350', (int) 34 => '25356', (int) 35 => '25357', (int) 36 => '25358', (int) 37 => '25360', (int) 38 => '25361', (int) 39 => '25362', (int) 40 => '25364', (int) 41 => '25365', (int) 42 => '25375', (int) 43 => '25387', (int) 44 => '25389', (int) 45 => '25392', (int) 46 => '25396' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'charleston-wv', (int) 1 => 'charleton-wv', (int) 2 => 'big-chimney-wv', (int) 3 => 's-charleston-wv', (int) 4 => 'south-charleston-wv', (int) 5 => 'kanawha-city-wv', (int) 6 => 'malden-wv', (int) 7 => 'cross-lanes-wv', (int) 8 => 'chesapeake-wv', (int) 9 => 'marmet-wv', (int) 10 => 'wv-dept-of-motor-veh-wv', (int) 11 => 'sissonville-wv', (int) 12 => 'united-bank-wv', (int) 13 => 'verizon-wv' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '10525', (int) 1 => '10526', (int) 2 => '10527', (int) 3 => '10528', (int) 4 => '10529', (int) 5 => '10530', (int) 6 => '10531', (int) 7 => '10532', (int) 8 => '10533', (int) 9 => '10534', (int) 10 => '10535', (int) 11 => '10536', (int) 12 => '10537', (int) 13 => '10538', (int) 14 => '10539', (int) 15 => '10540', (int) 16 => '10541', (int) 17 => '10542', (int) 18 => '10543', (int) 19 => '10544', (int) 20 => '10545', (int) 21 => '10546', (int) 22 => '10547', (int) 23 => '10548', (int) 24 => '10549', (int) 25 => '10550', (int) 26 => '10551', (int) 27 => '10552', (int) 28 => '10553', (int) 29 => '10554', (int) 30 => '10555', (int) 31 => '10556', (int) 32 => '10557', (int) 33 => '10558', (int) 34 => '10559', (int) 35 => '10560', (int) 36 => '10561', (int) 37 => '10562', (int) 38 => '10563', (int) 39 => '10564', (int) 40 => '10565', (int) 41 => '10566', (int) 42 => '10567', (int) 43 => '10568', (int) 44 => '10569', (int) 45 => '10570', (int) 46 => '10571' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'wv-charleston' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-cybercrime-and-fraud-prevention-tips-42125-9vn8twf4ts8.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-CYBERCRIME-AND-FRAUD-PREVENTION-TIPS-42125">AARP Live: Cybercrime and Fraud Prevention Tips, 4/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 21, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHARLESTON-WV">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP West Virginia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Charleston</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:WVAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">WVAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP West Virginia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/about-aarp-west-virginia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHARLESTON-WV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPWestVirginia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpwv" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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} .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/charleston-wv/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Charleston, WV</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/charleston-wv/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/charleston-wv/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Home</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/charleston-wv/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/charleston-wv/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/charleston-wv/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/charleston-wv/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/charleston-wv/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">State & Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/charleston-wv/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep d-none " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/charleston-wv/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/charleston-wv/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/charleston-wv/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/charleston-wv/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/charleston-wv/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/charleston-wv/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/charleston-wv/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118