Council of Advanced Practice Providers (CAPP)
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Council of Advanced Practice Providers (CAPP) is an advisory committee representing nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists in nephrology within the NKF Professional Membership program Mission StatementOur mission is to provide high quality education, resources, and professional support that strengthen clinical practice, foster professional identity, networking, and collaboration among nephrology advanced practice providers who join NKF Professional Membership. Through advocacy, leadership, research, and partnership, the Council advises the NKF on the standards of excellence in nephrology practice, equity in healthcare, health policy and legislation that impact the delivery of patient care and professional practice to advance the care, treatment, outcomes, and education of patients with kidney disease and their families. We work to advance the interests and welfare of nephrology professionals, contribute to professional and public kidney disease education, and promote engagement, recruitment and retention within the NKF Professional membership committee. |
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Goals of NKF-CAPP
The goals of the National Kidney Foundation Council of Advanced Practice Providers are:
- To provide a diversified, advanced educational curriculum for the nephrology advanced practice provider.
- To support the growth of advanced practitioners new to nephrology and those with nephrology experience
- To educate the public about this growing member of the nephrology team.
- To advocate for health policies and legislation that support sound practice and good outcomes for kidney health professionals and patients.
- The Council hopes to elevate the voices of PAs, NPs and CNSs in nephrology to better serve their patients, enhance their practices, and provide education about innovations in research and patient care.
- CAPP will represent PAs, NPs and CNSs in nephrology on a national level while continuing to maintain a connect with the broader community.
- CAPP will work with the NKF CAPP SCM Planning Committee to provide lectures and seminars at NKF meetings to educate Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists with content directed toward the advanced practice provider. It will be a resource for any advanced practitioner looking for expertise in kidney-related problems.
CAPP Executive Council
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Chair |
Sherry Rivera, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, FNKF, FAANP |
| Chair-Elect | Susan Brown, MS, ARNP, ACNP-BC, CCRN, FNKF |
| Immediate Past Chair | Kirsten Jensen, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CNN-NP, FNKF |
| Membership Chair | Andy Thompson, PA-C |
| Research and Publications Chair | Christine Corbett, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNN-NP, ACHPN, FNKF |
| Education Chair | Leah Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNN-NP, FANNA, FNKF |
| SCM Program Chair | Alison Kaprove, MS, PA-C, CAQ, FNKF |
| SCM Program Co-Chair | Nicole McCormick, DNP, MBA, NP-C |
Membership
At the National Kidney Foundation, we honor Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants/Associates, and Clinical Nurse Specialists as an integral part of the kidney care team. That’s why we’re committed to providing support for APPs specializing in nephrology to enhance patient care and achieve optimal outcomes.
As representatives and advocates for NKF’s APP membership body, the Council of Advanced Practice Providers (CAPP) coordinates with other professional health organizations to promote effectiveness and develop valuable resources such as evidence-based practice guidelines and education for nephrology APPs. CAPP helps protect the interests of APPs, the well-being of patients, and works to affect changes in kidney healthcare legislation and public policies.
When you become an NKF Professional Member, you unlock a world of professional opportunities including accredited education, the latest in kidney research, and an unparalleled network of resources. Access tools for your practice and for your patients, all in one place. A portion of your dues are directed to NKF's research endowment fund and supports our lifesaving patient programs and services. Make NKF your professional home today!
Experience the advantages of NKF membership. Join today and make NKF your professional home.
Nurse Practitioner Clinical Nurse Specialist Physician AssistantCAPP Membership Chair: Andy Thompson, PA-C, andyt9990@gmail.com
Member Spotlight
| Our NKF Professional Members make a meaningful impact every day in transforming kidney care. Their voice, expertise, and lived experience drive innovation, elevate standards, and help shape the future of nephrology. Highlighting their member expereince showcases the power of collaboration and professional growth found within NKF’s membership community—where leaders connect, learn, and advance care together. Inspired by what you see? Join NKF Professional Membership to add your voice, expand your impact, and be part of a community advancing kidney health nationwide. |
Elections
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) supports four professional Councils—representing nurses and technicians, social workers, dietitians, and advanced practice providers—who serve as leaders within the NKF Professional Membership program. Each Council is guided by an Executive Council (EC), a volunteer advisory group that helps shape NKF’s efforts to advance nephrology practice, promote education, influence policy, foster professional growth, and improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease.
EC Officers play a vital role in driving annual projects, supporting member engagement, and contributing to NKF’s mission. Election cycles provide members with the opportunity to step into leadership roles and help represent their profession at the national level.
The 2026 election season includes open officer positions across all Councils, with nominations opening January 7 and voting taking place February 23 – March 13, 2026. Newly elected officers will be announced in March and will begin onboarding in June.
By participating in the election process, NKF Professional Members help shape the future of nephrology and strengthen the voice of their respective disciplines within the broader kidney care community.
Roles Open for CAPP for the 2026-2028 term are:
CAPP Membership Chair: Andy Thompson, PA-C, andyt9990@gmail.com
Annual CalendarExecutive Council terms run from June 1st through May 31st. The RenaLink Newsletter is published quarterly; annual production schedules are shared in advance. |
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
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January – March
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March – May
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Awards
The four NKF Executive Councils acknowledge the contributions of their members and those impacting the kidney community through annual awards given at the NKF Spring Clinical Meetings (SCM). The Executive Councils encourage members and the public to consider submitting nominations for these awards annually. Winners receive free registration to attend SCM, and are celebrated at the NKF Executive Councils Award and Networking Reception.
CAPP Awards | 2026 CAPP Award WinnersNKF Mission To revolutionize the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. | Questions? membership@kidney.org |
