The bill amends section 464.0123 of the Florida Statutes to expand the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Specifically, it allows APRNs who are certified as psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses to engage in autonomous practice to provide mental health services, in addition to their existing authority to practice autonomously in primary care settings such as family medicine, general pediatrics, and general internal medicine. This change is aimed at enhancing access to mental health care by enabling qualified APRNs to operate independently in this field.

The bill also outlines various practice requirements for APRNs, including the ability to admit, manage, and discharge patients in healthcare facilities, as well as to perform general functions related to primary care. However, it maintains a restriction that APRNs cannot issue physician certifications under specific laws. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 883 Filed: 464.0123