The bill S.163 amends various sections of Vermont's statutes to clarify and expand the role of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in hospital care. It introduces a definition for "advanced practice registered nurse" and specifies that both physicians and APRNs can be responsible for coordinating patient care. The language throughout the bill is updated to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language, such as changing "his or her" to "the patient's." Additionally, the bill emphasizes that patients have the right to be informed about their care from either their attending physician or APRN.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the licensing requirements for hospitals, allowing for the care of patients to be provided by either a licensed physician or an APRN. It mandates that all patients must be under the care of a licensed practitioner and that professional case records must be signed by either a physician or an APRN. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reflecting a significant shift in recognizing the role of APRNs in the healthcare system.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-1851, 18-1852, 18-1905
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 18-1851, 18-1852, 18-1905
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 18-1851, 18-1852, 18-1905