Tennessee House Bill HB1876

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.

Impact

The bill modifies existing laws in regards to the extent of authority granted to nurse practitioners, particularly those specializing in mental health. Under the new regulations, certified PMHNPs will be allowed to independently diagnose conditions, develop care plans, and prescribe medications without needing to rely on a supervising physician after meeting certain practice conditions. This shift not only expands the scope of practice for nurse practitioners in psychiatric settings but also aims to address the increasing demand for mental health services amid a nationwide shortage of mental health providers.

Summary

House Bill 1876 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to establish clearer regulations surrounding psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). It introduces a professional designation for nurse practitioners who have achieved national specialty certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a PMHNP-BC. This certification empowers these practitioners to perform specific roles and responsibilities within the psychiatric healthcare framework, thereby formalizing their professional status in the state of Tennessee.

Contention

While the bill may enhance the availability of mental health services by allowing nurse practitioners greater autonomy, there are potential points of contention. Critics may argue that such a level of independence could lead to concerns about the quality and safety of care provided by practitioners without direct supervision. Additionally, there is the question of how this change might impact collaborative practice models traditionally employed in the healthcare system. Balancing the need for accessible mental health care with patient safety and quality of service is likely to be a focal point of debate as the bill progresses.