Georgia House Bill HB214

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23

Caption

Professions and businesses; authorize registered nurses and physician assistants to certify an individual is disabled for purposes of obtaining special vehicle decals

Impact

The implications of HB 214 are notable, particularly in the context of healthcare access and the delegation of authority. By allowing APRNs and PAs to certify disabilities and prescribe Schedule II controlled substances under defined conditions, the bill aims to ease the regulatory burden on physicians while still ensuring that patient care standards are maintained. This delegation is conditional upon specific educational requirements, which are designed to ensure that APRNs and PAs are sufficiently trained to handle the responsibilities assigned to them.

Summary

House Bill 214 is designed to amend existing laws that govern the roles of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) in Georgia. The bill allows these healthcare professionals to execute affidavits certifying individuals as disabled, thereby enabling them to obtain special vehicle decals reserved for individuals with disabilities. This amendment is significant as it expands the authority of APRNs and PAs, permitting them to perform actions that previously were exclusively in the purview of physicians. Such a change is intended to streamline the process for disabled individuals seeking necessary accommodations.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance healthcare service delivery, it also presents points of contention. Critics may express concerns regarding the delegation of prescriptive authority, particularly for Schedule II substances, emphasizing the potential risks of misuse or overprescription. There is a debate on whether expanding these roles might compromise patient safety or dilute the quality of care. As such, this bill presents a balancing act between improving healthcare access for disabled individuals and maintaining rigorous standards in medical practice.