Bill > HB1490

This bill establishes a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) Pilot Program designed to allow eligible nurse practitioners to practice independently in health professional shortage areas without a collaborative agreement with a physician. To qualify, nurse practitioners must have a current license, no recent disciplinary actions, at least three years of collaborative practice in primary care (3,600 hours), and submit an application with the board. Participants can practice and prescribe independently in primary care settings (family practice, internal medicine, gynecology, or pediatrics) in designated shortage areas. Nurse practitioners must wear identification badges, inform patients of their qualifications, and recognize their own practice limitations. The program includes a subcommittee to oversee applications and administration, and requires biennial renewal with additional continuing education in patient safety. A comprehensive study will be conducted after five years to evaluate the program's impact, examining aspects like patient care access, outcomes, referral patterns, and complaints. The pilot program will expire after six years, and participants will be recognized as primary care providers during their involvement. The bill aims to address healthcare provider shortages by expanding the autonomous practice capabilities of qualified nurse practitioners in underserved areas.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1490