NAP Submits Comments on the U.S. Department of Education’s
Proposed Changes to the Definition of “Professional” Programs

Introduction and Organizational Interest
The National Academies of Practice (NAP) is a non-profit organization representing distinguished practitioners and scholars across 17 U.S. health professions including athletic training, audiology, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, optometry, oral health, pharmacy, physical therapy, physicians, podiatric medicine, psychology, public health, respiratory care, social work, speech-language pathology, and veterinary medicine.

Founded in 1981, the National Academies of Practice is a non-profit, interprofessional organization that advises governmental bodies on the nation’s health care system. As an interprofessional alliance, NAP is unique in bringing together expert practitioners and scholars from 17 health professions to support collaboration, excellence in practice, and policies that promote high-quality, person-centered care. As an organization dedicated to advising policymakers on health workforce and education issues, NAP has a strong interest in federal regulations that affect health professions education, workforce development, and access to care.

Pharmacy Academy News - January 2026

Transitions of care occur when patients move between healthcare settings or providers and represent a period of heightened vulnerability for medical errors. Medication‑related problems are particularly common during these transitions. Nearly 20% of Medicare beneficiaries are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, and up to 80% of patients experience at least one medication discrepancy at the time of hospital discharge^1,2. These adverse outcomes are multifactorial in origin, with communication failures frequently identified as a contributing factor. Common challenges include delayed or incomplete communication between inpatient and outpatient providers, inaccurate medication reconciliation, and insufficient patient or caregiver understanding of the disease process, newly prescribed medications, or post‑discharge care plans ². Pharmacists possess the clinical training and expertise necessary to identify, prevent, and resolve medication‑related issues, positioning them to play a critical role in reducing hospital readmissions and improving the safety and quality of care transitions.

 A research study conducted by an interprofessional team from West Virginia University (WVU), including Pharmacy Academy member Gina Baugh, PharmD, FNAP, examined the impact of an interprofessional huddle embedded within a telemedicine transitions‑of‑care clinic serving a rural Appalachian community. Pre‑licensure and early clinical students from medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and public health participated in the program. Prior to each telehealth encounter, students engaged in a structured interprofessional huddle to review hospitalization details, identify gaps in care and barriers to access, and develop coordinated, team‑based interventions. Students then participated in live telemedicine visits, assuming profession‑specific responsibilities such as medication reconciliation and patient education.³

Collaborative Strategies to Address the Myopia Epidemic

by Heidi Wagner, OD, MPH, FAAO, FNAP
Cleveland Clinic

As defined by the American Optometric Association, Doctors of Optometry (e.g., ODs, optometrists) are primary eye care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.¹  Their clinical expertise extends beyond vision correction and refractive error management; they also diagnose and treat ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome.  In addition, optometrists play a critical role in the early detection of systemic health conditions—including diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disease—by identifying ocular manifestations observable during routine eye examinations.  Early identification of these signs supports timely referral and coordination with other healthcare professionals, ultimately improving patient outcomes and contributing to public health.

National Academies of Practice Position Statement: Importance of Evidence in Interprofessional Healthcare

In support of its mission and core values—collaboration, patient-centeredness, inclusivity, and interconnectedness—the National Academies of Practice (NAP) affirms the essential role of evidence in guiding interprofessional healthcare practice, education, policy, and research.

NAP defines evidence-based practice as “the integration of professional/clinical expertise, patient/client values, and the best research evidence into the decision-making process for patient/client-centered care” based upon “professionally and/or clinically relevant research that has been conducted using sound methodology” (NAP Lexicon 3.0 Taskforce, 2024, p. 9).

Partners in Motion: PTs and PTAs Strengthening Interprofessional Teams 

Exciting Update: PTA Eligibility for Membership in the NAP Physical Therapy Academy

Spread the word! Beginning with the 2026 nomination cycle, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) who meet eligibility criteria as defined by the NAP Bylaws and the Physical Therapy Academy’s Operation Manual are invited to apply for membership. Qualified PTAs must demonstrate excellence in practice, scholarship, or public policy across a career of 5 years for professional members or 10 years or more for fellows and a strong commitment to interprofessional collaboration and accessible, affordable healthcare for all. If you work with a PTA who embodies these values, please consider nominating them for membership in the NAP Physical Therapy Academy when nominations open in January.

The Significant Role of Speech-Language Pathologists to Elevate Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice

by Lisa Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, FNAP, CDP, RAC- CT, CADDCT
Chair Elect, Speech Pathology Academy

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely positioned to strengthen both interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP).  By bringing specialized knowledge of communication, swallowing, and cognition across the lifespan, SLPs help teams to better evaluate, communicate about, and manage complex patient needs. Their contribution is not only clinical; SLPs also model collaborative behaviors, teach communication strategies to teammates, advocate for patient’s communication needs, and help create shared goals that improve care coordination and learner readiness for team-based practice.

How to be a Hear-O: 
Leveraging interdisciplinary partnerships to improve hearing healthcare

by Sarah A. Sydlowski, AuD, PhD, MBA, FNAP
Cleveland Clinic

If you live long enough, there is a nearly 100% chance that you will live with some degree of hearing loss. You probably already know and interact on a regular basis with someone who has hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition among older adults, currently affecting nearly 40 million people¹. Even more concerning, approximately 29 million are untreated – living with a condition they believe is just a “normal” consequence of aging. Yes, hearing loss in older adults is common. But that fact doesn’t mean that it should not be managed.

A Message from the NAP President
Anthony Breitbach

National Academies of Practice Celebrates National Interprofessional Health Care Month

Lexington, KY -- The National Academies of Practice (NAP), uniting leading practitioners, scholars, and policy advocates from 17 healthcare professions, proudly celebrates National Interprofessional Healthcare Month.

NAP's diverse membership, spanning Athletic Training, Audiology, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Oral Health, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physicians, Podiatric Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, Respiratory Care, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology, and Veterinary Medicine, is dedicated to breaking down healthcare silos through collaborative practice. Our mission: to advance interprofessional education, scholarship, research, practice, and public policy, ultimately improving healthcare for all.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF PRACTICE WELCOMES THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACADEMY

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) held their 2025 Annual Meeting and Forum on March 13-15, 2025, and as part of this event, welcomed their newest academy – Public Health.

Passing of the Gavel:
Dr. Anthony Breitbach as the 2025-2027 NAP President

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) is pleased to announce Anthony Breitbach PhD, ATC, FASAHP, FNAP as its new President. Dr. Breitbach, a distinguished educator and leader in interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice, brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to advancing healthcare through interprofessional collaboration.

A native of Dubuque, Iowa; Dr. Breitbach is a Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU) and Director of Interprofessional Education after previously serving in roles as Vice Dean, Athletic Training Program Director and Interim Chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics in SLU’s Doisy College of Health Sciences, where he has been highly engaged in IPE teaching and scholarship. Prior to his faculty role, he worked as an Athletic Trainer (AT) in clinical practice for 22 years, serving as SLU’s Head Athletic Trainer as well as coordinating AT services at multidisciplinary sports medicine clinics in Dubuque, Atlanta and Milwaukee.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF PRACTICE (NAP) ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS AND 2025 AWARD WINNERS

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) is the alliance of professionals collaborating to transform health and well-being. Founded in 1981, the National Academies of Practice advances interprofessional education, scholarship, research, practice, and public policy by educating and informing our members and others, facilitating collaborative scholarship and research opportunities, recruiting, engaging, retaining, and mentoring our network of members, and advocating the value of interprofessional practice and improve healthcare and policy for all.

National Academies of Practice Celebrates April’s National Interprofessional Health Care Month

Lexington, KY -- The National Academies of Practice (NAP), representing distinguished practitioners, scholars, and public policy advocates from 16 healthcare professions, celebrates National Interprofessional Healthcare Month.

NAP consists of healthcare professionals who have excelled in their individual fields and collaborate to overcome the challenges of healthcare silos. NAP’s sixteen Academies represent Athletic Training, Audiology, Dentistry, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician, Podiatric Medicine, Psychology, Respiratory Care, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology, and Veterinary Medicine. Their mission is to advance interprofessional education, scholarship, research, practice, and public policy while advocating for policies to improve healthcare for all.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF PRACTICE WELCOMES NUTRITION AND DIETETICS ACADEMY

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) held their 2024 Annual Meeting and Forum on March 15-16, 2024 and as part of this event, welcomed their newest academy – Nutrition and Dietetics.

The National Academies of Practice leadership unanimously approved Nutrition and Dietetics as the newest academy to join the association. Seven founding Distinguished Fellows and Professional Members were inducted into NAP during the Induction Banquet and Awards Ceremony on March 16. Stephanie Petrosky, DCN, MHA, RDN, FAND will serve as the Chair of the Nutrition and Dietetics Academy and Kathrin Eliot, PhD, RDH/LD, FAND will serve as Chair-Elect for the 2024-2025 term.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF PRACTICE (NAP)
ANNOUNCES ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

Each year at the National Academies of Practice (NAP) Annual Membership Banquet and Induction Ceremony, NAP bestows awards to truly deserving candidates who are nominated by their peers. This year’s awards were presented on March 16, 2024, during a gala at the Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville, FL.

The Creativity in Practice & Education Award was established to recognize and encourage interprofessional programs, projects, and models which focus on the improvement of healthcare. This year the award recipient was the Kern Collaboratory Faculty Fellowships in Interprofessional Leadership.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF PRACTICE TO WELCOME RESPIRATORY CARE ACADEMY

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) will be holding their 2023 Annual Meeting and Forum on March 30 – April 1 and as part of this event, will be welcoming their newest academy – Respiratory Care.

The National Academies of Practice leadership unanimously approved Respiratory Care as the newest academy to join the association. Sixteen founding Distinguished Fellows and Professional Members will be inducted into NAP during the Induction Banquet and Awards Ceremony on April 1, 2023. Nancy Colletti, RRT, CPFT will serve as the Chair of the Respiratory Care Academy and Kimberly Clark, EdD, RRT, will serve as Vice Chair for the 2023- 2025 term.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF PRACTICE (NAP)
ANNOUNCES ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

Each year at the National Academies of Practice (NAP) Annual Membership Banquet and Induction Ceremony, NAP bestows awards to truly deserving candidates who are nominated by their peers. This year’s awards were presented on April 1, 2023 during a black tie gala at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.

The Creativity in Practice & Education Award was established to recognize and encourage interprofessional programs, projects, and models which focus on the improvement of healthcare. This year the award has two recipients: CAIPER eLearning Trainings from Arizona State University and the Case of the Kidnapped Healthcare Professionals: Developing a Virtual, Avatar-Based, Multi-User 3-D Video Interprofessional Escape Room from Ball State University.

COVID-19 Resources

From the Global Forum:

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Task Force