Review of a Bill Assignment State Florida Select an active bill at the state or federal level that impacts the professional practice of nursing. In a 4 pages paper (excluding the title and reference pages), summarize the provisions of the bill and clearly explain what the bill will accomplish. The paper should be no more than 4 pages, typed in Times New Roman using 12-point font, and double-spaced with 1″ margins. Your review of a bill paper should: Use each bulletin as a heading
Review of a Bill: State of Florida
Introduction
The profession of nursing plays a vital role in the healthcare system, and legislation that impacts this practice has far-reaching implications for both nurses and patients. In the state of Florida, an active bill that directly affects the professional practice of nursing is Senate Bill (SB) 234. This bill aims to amend certain sections of the Florida Nurse Practice Act and has significant implications for nurse practitioners (NPs), particularly regarding their scope of practice and autonomous decision-making in healthcare delivery. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of SB 234, summarizing its provisions and discussing the potential impact it may have on the nursing profession.
Summary of Provisions
SB 234 seeks to expand the scope of practice for NPs in Florida by granting them greater autonomy in diagnosing and treating patients. Currently, NPs in the state are required to work under the supervision of a physician and have limitations on their independent practice. This bill aims to eliminate these unnecessary restrictions and allow NPs to independently provide primary and specialty healthcare services without the need for physician oversight in certain situations.
Firstly, SB 234 proposes removing the requirement for NPs to have a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to practice. This provision recognizes that NPs are highly qualified healthcare providers who possess advanced education and training. It acknowledges their ability to provide safe and effective care to patients without the need for direct physician supervision. By removing this requirement, NPs will have the authority to independently diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications, thus enhancing access to healthcare services, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of physicians.
Secondly, the bill outlines the criteria for NPs to obtain full autonomous practice. NPs will be required to have a specific number of hours in clinical practice, under the supervision of a physician, before they can practice independently. This provision ensures that NPs have a sufficient level of experience to provide high-quality care. Additionally, NPs will be required to maintain liability insurance coverage, which is a standard requirement for healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, SB 234 specifies that NPs will have the right to admit, manage, and discharge patients from healthcare facilities independently. This provision aligns with the current trend in healthcare where collaborative decision-making and interprofessional teamwork are endorsed. Granting NPs the authority to make autonomous decisions regarding patient care will enhance efficiency, reduce delays in treatment, and improve patient outcomes.
Additionally, the bill addresses the prescription authority of NPs, allowing them to prescribe medication without limitations, including controlled substances. This provision recognizes that NPs possess the necessary expertise to prescribe medications safely, based on their advanced education and training. Allowing NPs to have full prescription authority will increase patient convenience and access to medications, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to physicians may be limited.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient safety and quality of care. NPs will be required to maintain malpractice insurance coverage and collaborate, consult, or refer to another healthcare professional when a patient’s condition exceeds their level of expertise or competence. This provision ensures that NPs practice within their scope of practice and seek appropriate assistance when needed, contributing to the overall patient safety.
Impact and Implications
SB 234 has significant implications for the nursing profession, particularly for NPs in Florida. Granting NPs greater autonomy will expand their capacity to provide healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas, which is crucial in addressing healthcare access disparities. By eliminating the need for a collaborative agreement with a physician, SB 234 will remove unnecessary administrative burdens placed upon NPs, enabling them to focus on providing high-quality patient care.
Moreover, this bill will enhance the professional development and job satisfaction of NPs. With increased autonomy, NPs will have greater control over their practice and decision-making, which can lead to increased job fulfillment. This, in turn, may encourage more nurses to pursue advanced practice roles, ultimately addressing the nursing shortage and improving the overall healthcare system.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the potential concerns and challenges associated with the implementation of SB 234. Skeptics argue that NPs’ autonomy may increase the risk of medical errors and compromise patient safety. Therefore, it is crucial to establish robust mechanisms for ongoing professional development, mentoring, and collaboration among NPs and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality care delivery.
Additionally, there may be resistance from physician organizations and lobbying groups who may view this bill as encroachment on their profession. Collaborative efforts and open channels of communication between NPs and physicians are necessary to address potential conflicts and facilitate effective interprofessional collaboration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Senate Bill 234 in Florida aims to expand the scope of practice for NPs, granting them greater autonomy and independence in their practice. This bill will remove unnecessary restrictions on NPs, enabling them to provide high-quality healthcare services to patients. The implications of this bill are vast and include improved healthcare access, increased job satisfaction for NPs, and potential challenges in interprofessional collaboration. To ensure successful implementation, ongoing collaboration, and professional development opportunities should be established to address concerns and enhance patient safety and quality of care.