Legislative Update, February 24, 2020

FSP Legislative Update from Tallahassee

Legislation that would allow advanced practice registered nurses to practice independent of physician supervision passed the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee in Tallahassee last week.  This legislation would create the Patient Access to Primary Care Pilot Program, a 10-year pilot that would allow certain advanced practice registered nurses to provide primary care services without protocols or agreements with supervising physicians. The advanced practice registered nurses would be authorized to work in areas of the state that are considered to have health professional shortages.  Our FSP legislative consultant Amy Young has been in Tallahassee watching this issue closely. Working alongside pathologist Dr. Ronald Giffler, President of the Florida Medical Association, FSP joined 50 county and medical specialty societies under the leadership of the FMA in the establishment of the Florida Patient Protection Coalition  to protect patient care and respect the integrity of physicians medical training. With 3 weeks left in Session things are rapidly changing as the horse trading begins. This legislation is the number one priority of House Speaker Jose Oliva and he remains focused on passing full autonomous practice. We will continue to keep our members updated on any changes.  

This article published in the Sun Sentinel last week provides an update on bills HB 607 and SB 1676.