Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB978

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Advanced practice registered nurses and licensed certified midwives; joint licensing.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws by enhancing the scope of practice for APRNs and LCMs, allowing them to prescribe controlled substances under specified conditions. This change is expected to improve healthcare access, especially in underserved areas, as APRNs and LCMs can address patient needs more effectively without unnecessary delays caused by extensive physician oversight in every case. The amendments made by HB978 will also simplify the regulatory framework for APRNs, enabling them to practice more autonomously after gaining adequate experience.

Summary

House Bill 978 amends various provisions related to the practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and licensed certified midwives (LCMs) in Virginia. The primary focus of the bill is to establish clearer guidelines for the prescriptive authority of APRNs and LCMs, particularly concerning the requirement for written or electronic practice agreements with physicians. The legislation recognizes the increasing role of APRNs in the healthcare system and seeks to facilitate their ability to provide care while maintaining patient safety through structured collaboration with physicians.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussion regarding the balance of power between APRNs and physicians. While supporters argue that expanding prescriptive authority will lead to better patient outcomes and prompted less bureaucratic burden, opponents express concern about potentially diluting the level of supervision necessary to ensure patient safety. Critics worry that increased autonomy for APRNs could lead to variations in the quality of care, emphasizing the need for robust training and adherence to standard practices. As such, continued debates around the implementation and effectiveness of such collaborative agreements are anticipated.

Companion Bills

VA HB978

Carry Over Advanced practice registered nurses and licensed certified midwives; joint licensing.

Previously Filed As

VA SB6008

Gaming commerce and development in the Commonwealth; regulation, report, penalties.

VA HR732

Commending VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.

VA HR743

Commending Nathaniel L. Bishop.

VA SB6005

General appropriation act; amends items related to state office rent rate, Medicaid contracts, etc.

VA SR609

Celebrating the life of Daniel Porter Jordan, Jr.

VA HR650

Celebrating the life of Daniel Porter Jordan, Jr.

VA SB6012

Va. Military Survivors & Dependents Ed. Program & related programs; modifications, surplus revenues.

VA HB6004

Va. Military Survivors & Dependents Ed. Program & related programs; modifications, surplus revenues.

VA HR624

Celebrating the life of the Honorable Richard S. Bray.

VA SR611

Celebrating the life of Golden Bethune-Hill.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.