Pennsylvania House Bill HB739

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist license required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

Impact

If enacted, House Bill 739 would significantly impact the practice of nursing in Pennsylvania by empowering APRNs-CNPs with broader prescriptive authority. This change is expected to enhance access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas, as it would allow qualified nurse practitioners to operate more independently in their clinical practice. Moreover, the bill outlines new requirements for continuing education and reinforces the necessity for collaboration between APRNs and physicians, thereby striving to balance autonomy with accountability.

Summary

House Bill 739 seeks to amend The Professional Nursing Law in Pennsylvania to redefine practices and qualifications for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), particularly focusing on certified registered nurse practitioners (APRNs-CNPs). The amendments aim to clarify the scope of practice, licensing, and prescriptive authority while ensuring the alignment of regulations with contemporary healthcare practices. A notable aspect of the bill is the provision allowing APRNs-CNPs to independently prescribe medications after meeting specific educational and practice requirements, effectively expanding their role in patient care.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding House Bill 739 appears largely supportive among healthcare professionals and organizations advocating for expanded roles for nurse practitioners. Proponents argue that the bill not only better serves patients by increasing the availability of care but also acknowledges the essential qualifications and experience of APRNs. However, there may also be contention regarding the extent of autonomy given to nurse practitioners and the potential implications for collaborative practices with physician partners. This dichotomy reflects the ongoing debates within the healthcare community about the roles and responsibilities of various health professionals.

Contention

A significant contention within the discussion of House Bill 739 revolves around the balance between providing APRNs-CNPs with adequate independence in practice versus maintaining collaborative relationships with physicians. Critics may express concerns about overstepping boundaries and the readiness of nurse practitioners to handle more complex cases without supervision. Additionally, the bill mandates specific educational and training prerequisites for prescriptive authority, which may raise debates over efficacy and accessibility of continuing nursing education programs. The integration of APRN practice into existing healthcare frameworks thus becomes a focal point of scrutiny and discussion.