Bill > S0758

This bill expands the autonomous practice rights for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in psychiatric nursing. Currently, APRNs can engage in autonomous practice only in primary care settings like family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine. The bill would allow psychiatric nurses to autonomously perform specific clinical acts related to mental health practice, as defined by the Board of Nursing. This means psychiatric nurses would gain additional professional autonomy to provide mental health services, such as diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with mental health conditions, without direct physician supervision. The bill also maintains existing provisions that allow APRNs to admit, manage, and discharge patients in healthcare facilities, provide certain legal signatures and certifications, and perform general advanced practice functions. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving the nursing board and healthcare providers time to prepare for the expanded practice scope.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/758