Bill re-introduced to remove APRN barriers to care

Bipartisan legislation was re-introduced this week to remove barriers in the Medicare and Medicaid program that prevent APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their education and training. AONL and the Nursing Community Coalition support the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act (H.R. 2713), sponsored by Reps. David Joyce, R-Ohio; Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore.; Lauren Underwood, D-Ill.; and Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va. Meanwhile, Utah recently became the 27th state to grant nurse practitioners full practice authority. The designation gives NPs more freedom from physician oversight to evaluate and diagnose patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and start and manage treatments, including prescribing drugs. (Rep. Joyce news release, 4/24/23)