Nurse practitioners; authorize certain to practice to the full extent of their education and training if they provide services to Medicaid recipients.
If enacted, HB813 would significantly change the landscape for CRNPs in Mississippi by allowing them to operate without the traditional oversight generally required by collaborating physicians. This would enhance access to healthcare for Medicaid recipients, as CRNPs would be able to provide more services independently. Furthermore, the bill proposes that CRNPs who receive full practice authority will be enrolled as Medicaid providers and eligible for direct reimbursement, which can aid in addressing the state's healthcare access issues.
House Bill 813 aims to enhance the practice authority of Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) in Mississippi. The bill allows CRNPs to practice to the full extent of their education and training, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. Specifically, CRNPs must have at least 10,000 hours of documented clinical practice and can have no more than 25% of their clinical hours completed through virtual or telehealth modalities. This bill includes provisions for the Mississippi Board of Nursing to develop a rigorous application and review process for CRNPs seeking full practice authority.
While supporters argue that HB813 would empower nurse practitioners and improve healthcare services, critics may express concerns over quality and oversight. The bill's provisions not only remove some collaborative requirements that previously regulated CRNP practice but also depend on stringent application processes to safeguard patient care. The debate may center on whether the lack of collaborative agreements with physicians could compromise healthcare quality or if it will allow for more versatile healthcare delivery in areas with provider shortages.