Advanced Practice Registered Nurses - Professional Liability Insurance Coverage - Notification Requirements
The implementation of SB 996 will have significant implications for the practice of advanced practice registered nurses. It enhances transparency and accountability within the healthcare system by ensuring patients are informed of their care providers' insurance status. This legislative change aligns with broader healthcare reform efforts emphasizing patient rights and informed consent. Moreover, it holds APRNs accountable for adhering to notification requirements about their professional liability coverage, thus potentially impacting their practice dynamics and patient relationships.
Senate Bill 996 mandates that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Maryland must notify patients if they are not maintaining professional liability insurance coverage. The notification must be provided in writing during the patient's first visit while the APRN is uninsured, or as part of the informed consent process for any procedure or operation. This ensures that patients are aware of the APRN's insurance status prior to receiving care, thus allowing for informed decision-making regarding their treatment options. Further, the bill requires those APRNs who do not have insurance to post this information conspicuously at their place of practice.
Overall, the sentiment around SB 996 appears to be supportive among healthcare professionals who advocate for transparency and accountability in patient care. The bill has received broad support in legislative discussions, reflected in the unanimous voting outcome of 139 yeas with no nays. However, there may be concerns among some APRNs regarding how compliance with these notification requirements might affect their business operations or patient interactions, particularly if they do not carry insurance.
While the bill has passed with strong support, ongoing discussions may revolve around the feasibility and practicality of the notification requirements for APRNs, especially those that practice in remote or underserved areas. Some practitioners may argue that requiring explicit notification could create barriers or additional administrative burdens, particularly for those APRNs who operate on tight budgets with limited resources. As SB 996 progresses, the conversation surrounding its implementation will be critical in addressing these practical concerns and ensuring that the law meets its intended goals without unduly complicating the practice of advanced nurses.