Bills Move Forward to Grant APRNs More Independence
Date: 21-02-2013
[MMA News Now, Feb. 21, 2012] Companion bills that would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNS) the authority for complete independent practice are working their way through the House and Senate.
HF 435, introduced by Rep. Dan Schoen (DFL-Cottage Grove), and SF 511, introduced by Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), would expand the scope of advanced practice registered nursing to include: "performing acts of advanced assessment, diagnosing, prescribing and ordering." The legislation would have APRNs acting as a primary care provider as well as give them authority to prescribe.
The MMA has made maintaining a team approach to health care a top priority for the 2013 legislative session.
“While APRNs serve a critical role in the care of patients we maintain that they continue in a collaborative role rather than be granted more independence,” said Dave Renner, MMA’s director of state and federal legislation.
“Given the growing concerns about prescribing practices and increased illegal access to prescription drugs, many MMA members question whether it’s prudent for the state to expand the authority of other health care providers to prescribe independently,” Renner said.
APRNs include certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), certified nurse-midwives (CNM), certified clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and certified nurse practitioners (CNP).
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