A Call to Expand Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners

April 30, 2024

Allowing nurse practitioners to practice to the full scope of their training is a key step to support the health care workforce.

This morning, HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings joined the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and state lawmakers for a press conference in support of Senate Bill 25 and House Bill 1825. The legislation would allow Pennsylvania to join 27 states and the District of Columbia that allow well-qualified certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNP) to treat patients without a collaborative agreement with physicians.

“We need a comprehensive and sustained effort to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to the care they need when they need it,” Stallings said. “And this includes ensuring that health professionals are able to practice at the top of their license.”

Among the key takeaways:

• Background:  The legislation would allow CRNPs to practice within the scope of their licenses without the need for collaborative agreements with physicians, if they have already practiced under such supervision for three years and 3,600 hours.
• Supporting care:  CRNPs play a critical role in health care, often bridging the gap and providing essential health services in areas of most need, especially in rural communities.
• HAP advocacy:  HAP and the hospital community have been strong advocates to ensure Pennsylvania health care practitioners can safely treat patients at the full extent of their education, training, and license.
• Quotable:  “It is reasonable, it is responsible, and Pennsylvania’s communities are ready,” Stallings said of the legislation. “They are ready because they are feeling the effects every day of the workforce shortages across the commonwealth.”

Additional information about Senate Bill 25 and House Bill 1825 is available online.