Mar. 09, 2015
BEDFORD – Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) today introduced
House Bill 765 which would modernize Pennsylvania’s Professional Nursing Law by allowing a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) to practice without the current law’s requirement that CRNPs establish a collaborative agreement with a physician.
Nurse practitioners collaborate every day with a variety of other health care professionals, including physicians; eliminating the collaborative agreement as a licensure requirement would not change that fact or be inconsistent with a patient-centered medical home model for delivering care. Furthermore, this legislation would require that CRNPs practice within the particular clinical specialty area or population focus in which they hold current certification.
“This legislation would align our state’s regulations with those used by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing Model Act,” Topper said. “In addition, it would put us on a level playing field with 20 other states and Washington, D.C.”
The legislation is supported by several organizations, including the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, the Institute of Medicine, the National Governors Association, the AARP and the Josiah Macy Foundation.
“Nationwide, there is a shortage of health care providers, especially in rural areas such as the 78th District,” Topper added. “Allowing these nurse practitioners to practice without unnecessary burden, and to the full extent of their training, will pay big dividends for the Commonwealth.”
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Representative Jesse Topper
78th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nick Ruffner
717.260.6258
nruffner@pahousegop.com