North Carolina Council of Churches Endorses the SAVE Act
For Immediate Release
March 18, 2025
RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) is excited to announce yet another endorsement for legislation to cut outdated red tape on healthcare. The North Carolina Council of Churches, representing more than 6,000 congregations, is formally endorsing the SAVE Act, which is designed to modernize regulations for the state’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
"Affordable and accessible health care is a critical need. The SAVE Act is one way to ensure that need is met, especially in many rural areas that do not have numerous health care facilities and providers,” said Rev. Alan Felton, Chair of the NC Council of Churches’ Legislative Committee and a member of its Governing Board. “The SAVE Act expands the opportunities for people in North Carolina to get the medical attention they need."
North Carolina-specific research shows that the SAVE Act would save the state at least $650 million per year by increasing access to more affordable providers, giving patients better options to tackle health needs earlier, and addressing a variety of other costs.
With healthcare spending, access, and quality major concerns for both legislators and voters, the SAVE Act represents one of the few shovel-ready options for the NC General Assembly; it has the added benefit of not adding a dime of spending to the state budget. Similar bills have been successfully passed and implemented in at least 27 other states, and a trove of research shows this type of legislation would be a risk-free benefit to both patients and North Carolina’s healthcare infrastructure.
The SAVE Act has built a diverse base of support across the political spectrum, with the NC Council of Churches representing the first faith-based organization to join the effort. There are now 26 organizations outside of the nursing profession that support Full Practice Authority for APRNs:
· AARP North Carolina
· The Affordable Healthcare Coalition of North Carolina
· The Alliance for Connected Care
· Amazon
· Americans for Prosperity North Carolina
· Americans for Tax Reform
· The Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina
· Atrium Health
· Blue Cross NC
· The Carolinas Center
· Civitas Action
· Concerned Veterans for America
· The Convenient Care Association
· Friends of Residents in Long Term Care
· The Hunger and Health Coalition
· The John Locke Foundation
· The LIBRE Initiative
· March of Dimes North Carolina
· The North Carolina Assisted Living Association
· The North Carolina Association of Health Plans
· North Carolina Citizens for Public Health
· The North Carolina Council of Churches
· The North Carolina Justice Center
· The North Carolina Rural Center
· One Medical
· United Healthcare
There is no known opposition to this type of legislation outside of physicians’ groups, who support keeping 1980s-era regulations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Cowperthwaite, CAE, APR
Director of Communications & Outreach
(919) 821-4250 or chriscowperthwaite@ncnurses.org
ABOUT NCNA
As the leading professional organization for North Carolina’s registered nurses, we equip nurses at all stages to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment. NCNA helps keep North Carolina nurses on the cutting edge of nursing practice, policy, education, and more. Join us as we work to advance nursing and ensure high-quality healthcare for everyone.
Established in 1902, NCNA provides continuing education, networking and legislative advocacy for registered nurses throughout North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ncnurses.org.
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The North Carolina Nurses Association serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.
