A struggle that happened for seven years to make Florida a full-practice state for Nurse Practitioners (NP’s). Recently the Senate passed legislation that would expand the scope of practice for NP’s, allowing them to practice independently and without physician supervision in certain areas. In 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order giving NPs more autonomy.
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Is Florida a Full Practice State for NP’s?
The answer is a resounding yes! Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Florida can now practice to their full scope of authority. It means that APRNs, including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), can independently diagnose and treat patients without collaborating with or being supervised by a physician.
The Florida Board of Nursing recently approved the changes to the rules and regulations governing APRN practice, which removed specific barriers previously in place. This decision has resulted in greater freedom for NPs to provide quality care to their patients.
Note: Under the changes in the new law, all Nurses [except physician assistants or certified registered nurse anesthetists] can practice autonomously in Florida, but they have to complete 3000 hours under physician supervision.
The new law signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on March 11 stated that NPs could practice autonomously without a physician’s written collaborative agreement or supervision. Nursing regulatory boards must also recognize national certifications for APRNs, allowing them to practice in Florida even if they have been certified in a different state.
Speaker Jose Oliva, who supported the bill and spearheaded its passage, said: “This act will provide much-needed access to care for Floridians in rural and urban areas alike.”
The change is expected to benefit significantly many rural communities in Florida, which have long depended upon NPs for their primary healthcare needs due to a lack of physicians. Additionally, in these areas, NPs typically perform a broader range of functions than they are legally allowed in other states.
Overall, the changes to Florida’s APRN regulations have opened up numerous opportunities for nurse practitioners to provide quality healthcare to their patients and expand the scope of services they can offer. These changes should help improve access to quality healthcare and reduce overall healthcare costs in the state.
FAQs
Can a nurse practitioner practice independently in Florida?
Yes, nurse practitioners in Florida can now practice independently without any physician oversight or supervision, but they have to complete 3000 hours under the supervision of a physician.
Is Florida a restrictive state for nurse practitioners?
No, Florida is no longer a restrictive state for nurse practitioners. The new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis has removed certain previously established barriers and now allows NPs to practice autonomously without supervision or a written collaborative agreement.
Final Words
The answer to the question, “Is Florida a full practice state for NPs?” is yes. As of 2020, all advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Florida can assess, diagnose, and treat patients without physician oversight. This makes it easier for NPs to provide quality healthcare services to Floridians. While this is excellent news for NPs, it also has its challenges, such as finding malpractice insurance that covers the full scope of their practice. Still, having full practice authority in Florida is a significant step forward in providing better access to healthcare for all Floridians.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.