Advanced practice registered nurses; revise certain provisions relating to, including collaboration requirement.
A significant aspect of SB2796 is the change in requirements for collaborative or consultative relationships that APRNs, particularly nurse practitioners and certified registered nurse anesthetists, must maintain with licensed physicians. Under the new amendments, APRNs will be exempt from these requirements after accruing specific practice hours (6,240 for APRNs and 8,000 for nurse anesthetists). This exemption is likely to empower APRNs to operate more independently, thereby impacting the overall dynamics of healthcare service delivery in Mississippi by potentially increasing access to care.
Senate Bill 2796 aims to amend the Mississippi Nursing Practice Law to incorporate advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) more extensively into the legislative framework governing nursing practices in the state. This bill includes notable revisions such as the inclusion of APRNs within the statement of purpose in the Nursing Practice Law and proposes changes to the composition of the Mississippi Board of Nursing to include certified registered nurse anesthetists as a member. Furthermore, it outlines amendments surrounding definitions of advanced nursing practice and clarifies the qualifications required for licensure compared to traditional nursing roles.
While the revisions in SB2796 are viewed positively by many within the nursing profession advocating for expanded scope and autonomy, they have raised concerns among some stakeholders who believe that the lack of continuous collaborative relationships could hinder patient safety and care quality. There are apprehensions about how these changes may affect the supervisory roles traditionally held by physicians over APRNs and the potential implications for clinical oversight. Discussions surrounding this bill have highlighted a tension between expanding healthcare access and maintaining rigorous safety standards, indicating healthy debate among health professionals and legislators.