Regulatory processes for Nurse practitioners in Florida

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Regulatory processes for Nurse practitioners in Florida

Regulatory Processes for Nurse Practitioners in Florida

In Florida, the regulatory processes for nurse practitioners (NPs) are governed by the Florida Board of Nursing, under the Florida Department of Health. These processes are designed to ensure that NPs meet the necessary qualifications and maintain standards that safeguard public health.

Licensure Requirements

To practice as a nurse practitioner in Florida, individuals must first obtain a registered nurse (RN) license, followed by an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license. The APRN license includes the certification for NPs. To qualify for APRN licensure, applicants must:

  1. Complete a Master’s or Doctoral Degree: NPs must graduate from an accredited graduate-level nursing program that includes clinical training in the nurse practitioner role.
  2. National Certification: NPs must obtain certification from a national certifying body recognized by the Florida Board of Nursing. These certifying bodies include the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
  3. Application and Fees: Applicants must submit a detailed application to the Florida Board of Nursing, including educational transcripts, proof of national certification, and payment of applicable fees.

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for NPs in Florida is regulated to ensure patient safety and care quality. Florida is classified as a “restricted practice” state by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). This means that NPs must have a supervising or collaborating physician to provide patient care. Key elements of the scope of practice include:

  1. Collaborative Agreement: NPs must enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician, outlining the protocols and responsibilities for patient care. This agreement is a legal document that must be kept on file and available for inspection.
  2. Prescriptive Authority: NPs in Florida have the authority to prescribe medications, including controlled substances. However, this authority is subject to the collaborative agreement with a supervising physician and state regulations.
  3. Continuing Education: To maintain licensure, NPs must complete continuing education requirements, including courses on the prevention of medical errors, laws and rules governing nursing, and the prescribing of controlled substances.

Recent Legislative Changes

Recent legislative changes have impacted the regulatory environment for NPs in Florida. In 2020, House Bill 607 was passed, allowing qualified NPs to practice autonomously in primary care settings without a collaborative agreement with a physician. This significant change aims to increase access to care, particularly in underserved areas. To qualify for autonomous practice, NPs must have:

  1. At least 3,000 clinical hours: Completed within the past five years under the supervision of a physician.
  2. Certification in a primary care specialty: Such as family medicine, general pediatrics, or general internal medicine.

These regulatory processes ensure that nurse practitioners in Florida are well-qualified and able to provide high-quality care within the framework of state laws and guidelines.

References

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