Bill > S0138

This bill amends Florida Statute 464.0123 to expand the autonomous practice capabilities of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Currently, APRNs are only allowed autonomous practice in primary care fields like family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine. The bill adds a new provision allowing APRNs who are certified as psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses to engage in autonomous practice specifically for providing mental health services, as defined by Board of Nursing rules. This means these specially certified psychiatric mental health APRNs will have greater independence in treating patients with mental health conditions, similar to the existing autonomous practice rights of primary care APRNs. The expanded practice rights will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving the nursing board and healthcare providers time to prepare for the change. The bill maintains other existing autonomous practice rights for APRNs, such as admitting and discharging patients from healthcare facilities and providing certain professional certifications, with the notable exception of physician certifications related to medical marijuana.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/138