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