Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB796

Introduced

1/16/23

Refer

1/16/23

Failed

1/31/23

Caption

Advanced practice registered nurses; revise licensing provisions relating to.

Impact

By redefining the roles and responsibilities of APRNs and CRNAs, HB 796 aims to modernize the nursing practice framework in Mississippi. One significant change is the elimination of the requirement for APRNs to maintain collaborative relationships with physicians or dentists after completing specific transition-to-practice hours. This amendment could enhance the autonomy of APRNs, allowing them to operate more independently in their clinical roles, which may address healthcare access issues in underserved areas. Additionally, the bill proposes modifications to the disciplinary actions against nurses to include APRNs, aligning the regulatory framework for advanced nursing practices with existing provisions for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

Summary

House Bill 796 seeks to amend Mississippi's nursing practice law by including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in its statement of purpose. The bill outlines revisions to several sections of the Mississippi Code, primarily aimed at modifying definitions, revising the composition of the Mississippi Board of Nursing, and updating provisions related to the practices of APRNs and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Notably, it establishes exemptions for certain collaborative practice requirements based on minimum clinical practice hours completed by these professionals.

Contention

The bill has received attention and varied opinions among legislators and healthcare professionals. Proponents argue that the changes are critical for adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare and improving patient care access. On the other hand, there are concerns regarding the potential for decreased oversight of advanced nursing practices without collaborative agreements, which some stakeholders believe could impact patient safety and quality of care. The discussion around HB 796 emphasizes the balance between expanding the capabilities of APRNs and maintaining necessary regulatory safeguards to ensure competent and safe nursing practice.