Directory Profile

I am a family nurse practitioner with expertise in both primary and urgent care. I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, Institute of Regulatory Excellence, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In addition to the College of Nursing at WSU, I hold affiliate appointments in Prevention Science and Public Affairs. I am also a long term preceptor and affiliate faculty with the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy in the PharmD program where I mentor the PharmD teaching residency and pharmacy student research projects. In January 2022 I became the Assistant Director of the Washington State University Center for Cannabis Policy, Research and Outreach (https://research.wsu.edu/cannabis/)

EDUCATION

• MS, Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Shady Grove, MD (May 2023)
• PhD, Washington State University
• MSN, Oregon Health Sciences University
• BSN, Linfield College
• BA, Reed College

CV / Bio (docx)

INTERESTS

Practitioner related: Scope of practice and authority, prescribing competency, medication safety

Patient related: Diagnosis, symptom management and treatment of brain conditions in children and adolescents such as ADHD and post-concussive syndrome

Institution related: Institutional policies, regulatory development, and legislation specific to advanced nursing practice parameters

HONORS and AWARDS

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners Region X (OR, WA, AL, ID) Board of Directors, 2014-2020
• American Academy of Nurses, Fellow, 2013 (Induction)
• Institute of Regulatory Excellence, Fellow, 2012 (Induction)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Fellow,  2009 (Induction)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Oregon NP of the Year, 2009 (Awarded)
• Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Psi and Delta Chi Chapter, 1991 (Induction)

FUNDED RESEARCH

Dr. Tracy Klein’s Research Site: labs.wsu.edu/tracy-klein/

Legalized cannabis linked to fewer synthetic cannabinoid poisonings
A study led by Washington State University has found that states with legalized recreational or “adult use” cannabis experience a 37% decrease in poisoning reports related to synthetic cannabinoids compared to states with restrictive cannabis policies. Synthetic cannabinoids, such as Spice or K2, are not actual cannabis but mimic its effects on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, binding with them up to 100 times more strongly than natural cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids lack the moderating components of whole plant cannabis and pose high toxicity risks, potentially leading to severe impairment or death. The study, based on data from the National Poison Data System, highlights the potential public health benefits of legalizing and regulating natural cannabis, as users may opt for a less toxic product when given the choice.

updated 02/02/2023