Advanced practice registered nurses; revise provisions relating to the collaborative relationship requirement.
The proposed changes will significantly impact the regulatory landscape for advanced nursing practice in Mississippi. By exempting APRNs from maintaining collaborative relationships after completing a specified number of clinical practice hours, the bill provides greater autonomy and flexibility in practice. Specifically, those who have completed 5,000 clinical practice hours or 8,000 hours for certified registered nurse anesthetists will no longer need to maintain such relationships, which could improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. This could also help to mitigate healthcare workforce shortages by allowing APRNs more independence in their practice.
House Bill 1652 aims to amend specific provisions in the Mississippi Code of 1972 concerning the practice and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The bill entails the revision of definitions within the nursing practice law and introduces changes to the collaborative or consultative relationships required between APRNs and licensed physicians or dentists. Notably, it stipulates that physicians or dentists shall not charge APRNs for serving in collaborative capacities, which is intended to alleviate financial burdens on advanced practice providers and streamline collaborative practices in healthcare settings.
While supporters of HB 1652 argue that the changes enhance the practice environment for APRNs and contribute positively to health care delivery, there are concerns regarding potential dilution of collaborative healthcare practices. Opponents express that removing mandatory collaborative agreements might lead to variances in patient care quality, as direct oversight from physicians could result in better patient safety protocols and healthcare outcomes. Furthermore, discussions around the implications of these changes have raised questions about the adequacy of training and clinical experience among APRNs, emphasizing the need for a balance between accessibility and regulatory oversight.