Advanced practice registered nurses; revise certain provisions related to, including collaboration requirement.
The proposed legislation is significant as it alters existing statutes that mandate collaborative agreements for APRNs and CRNAs, reflecting a broader shift toward practitioner independence in healthcare. By reducing administrative burdens, the bill is positioned to address workforce shortages in nursing and healthcare services, particularly in under-served areas. It also positions APRNs and CRNAs as vital players in providing care without unnecessary bureaucratic requirements, thereby potentially improving access to healthcare services across the state.
House Bill 821 amends several sections of the Mississippi Nursing Practice Law, particularly addressing the roles and requirements of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). The bill seeks to remove the collaborative/consultative relationship requirement between APRNs and licensed physicians or dentists after a specified number of clinical practice hours are completed—3,600 hours for APRNs and 8,000 hours for CRNAs. This change aims to simplify the practice requirements for these professionals, enabling them to operate more independently once they reach the practice hour threshold.
Notably, the bill may encounter opposition regarding concerns over the quality and safety of patient care when removing the collaborative relationship with physicians. Critics fear that without required physician oversight, the quality of care for patients may be jeopardized. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the impact of these changes on the nursing profession and healthcare delivery systems within Mississippi, raising questions about appropriate training, competencies, and potential risks associated with independent practice.