A Florida House committee has approved a proposal that would let advanced registered nurse practitioners provide care without physician supervision, according to a CBS Miami report.
Under current state law, ARNPs can only perform medical acts of diagnosis, treatment and operation pursuant to a protocol between the ARNP and a Florida licensed physician, osteopathic physician or dentist. The protocol outlines the care to be provided and is authorized by the physician.
This bill would still let ARNPs practice under the supervision of physicians, but it would also allow them the option to meet criteria to practice independently, according to the report. The bill would also apply to nurse anesthetists.
Republicans in the House have pushed the measure, reasoning that it would help alleviate the state's shortage of primary care physicians. But Senate leaders have shown less support for the proposal, according to the report. The measure passed through the House committee earlier this week with a 13-2 vote.
More Articles on Scope of Care Laws:
Whatever You Want to Think About Nurse Practitioners, There's a Survey to Back It Up
New Law in Nevada Expands Nurse Practitioner Scope of Care
Survey: Consumers Open to Larger Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner Roles