The first month of the year is named after the Roman god Janus, depicted as a two-headed man with one face looking forward and the other face looking backward. Janus represents the past and the future; he is the god of gates and doorways, the entry to new beginnings. The ancient Romans held feasts and offered sacrifices to Janus, promising more virtuous behavior in the hope of receiving favor in the new year. I might have been guilty of giving honor to Janus during my serious study of Latin in high school club celebrations in full toga attire! But we do not worship Janus or offer sacrifices to idol gods with the aim of personal gain in the US; rather, we have a similar tradition of making resolutions on January 1 for the coming year. This is a big part of welcoming the new year for many, and hoping for a better year is normal. Typical resolutions include aims to lose weight, exercise more, get organized, spend less and save more money, and prioritize time with family and friends. The top resolution for 2023 was to improve personal mental health.1 This seems reasonable after the stress of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, how many people are actually successful in keeping their resolutions? I found few studies and mixed results with no definitive findings. Reflect on the follow-through of people around you over the years and make your own estimate of how many people meet the goals sworn to in their resolutions.

The 36th Annual APRN Legislative Update

Journal readers anticipate the Annual APRN Legislative Update every January, and we never disappoint. The report provides a start to the new year with current information about NP practice, which sets the stage for NP resolutions. Susanne Phillips, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN returns this year as the author of the 36th installment. The report highlights the “state of the states” in the areas of practice authority, transition to practice periods, licensure and titling, prescriptive authority, miscellaneous practice authority, and reimbursement. Relevant information about the other three advanced practice roles—those of the CNS, CNM, and CRNA—is also included. Producing this report is a year-long process, and we all appreciate Dr. Phillips' dedication, diligence, and sense of duty to the APRN profession in compiling such a comprehensive overview. Yet, our work is not finished. After reading the update, as an NP, consider at least one resolution related to continued advocacy for full practice authority across all US states and territories in which you can become active.

A word from Dr. King

January 15 is also the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of his inspiring quotations are spoken every day. One quote I believe is appropriate for NPs as we start 2024 centers on remembering successes of the past while always recognizing challenges of the future: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane.” NPs are positioned and ready to promote prevention and wellness over illness and cure; increase access to healthcare for vulnerable populations; improve health outcomes for individuals with chronic diseases; address mental and behavioral health needs of people; address the social determinants of health to reduce health disparities in our communities; confront structural racism to disable deep-rooted barriers to health equity; and educate and empower the next generation of NPs to be daring, to change the status quo, to take chances, and to be proud to be an NP. Remember LACE: legislation, accreditation, certification, and education. Each of these areas needs our attention. This year's update reminds us that having laws enacted and regulations written that permit NPs to practice to the full extent of their education and training are key to our growth as a profession. Find your resolution.

Jamesetta A. Newland, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP, FAAN

Editor-in-Chief [email protected]

REFERENCE 1. Davis S. New Year's resolutions statistics 2023. Forbes Health. 2023. www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-years-resolutions-statistics.