Relative to the signature authority of an advanced practice registered nurse or a certified midwife.
Impact
The passage of SB83 is expected to significantly impact the healthcare landscape by empowering APRNs and certified midwives in their roles. It removes an unnecessary barrier that could impede timely healthcare delivery, especially in scenarios where accessing a physician for certification could delay important health-related tasks. This will likely improve efficiency in patient management and ensure that care is more patient-centered, as these providers are often more accessible to patients than physicians. The implementation of this bill could lead to an evolution in how healthcare services are structured, particularly regarding collaborative practices between APRNs, midwives, and physicians.
Summary
Senate Bill 83 introduces changes concerning the signature authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and certified midwives in New Hampshire. The primary provision of the bill allows these healthcare professionals to certify documents that would traditionally require a physician's signature. This change is framed within their scope of practice, meaning that it does not broaden their responsibilities or competencies beyond what is already accepted in medical practice. The bill is positioned as a means to enhance healthcare delivery by streamlining processes that might currently delay patient care due to the need for a physician's signature.
Contention
Despite the benefits that proponents emphasize, there could be some contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue about the implications of delegating tasks traditionally performed by physicians to APRNs and midwives, raising concerns about the quality of care and the adequacy of training. There can also be apprehensions regarding the legal ramifications of document certification by APRNs and certified midwives, as the degree of responsibility and accountability in these matters may create legal challenges. Overall, the dialogues surrounding SB83 highlight the ongoing discussions in healthcare about expanding the roles of non-physician professionals while ensuring safety and efficacy in care.