Governor Signs Scope of Practice Bills
A package of five bills expanding scope of practice of allied health professionals was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell on July 20, 2007.
The bills, which were unanimously passed by the General Assembly, make relatively modest changes to the scope of practice of certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs), nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and physician assistants (PAs) and do not authorize independent practice models.
During negotiations with CRNPs, nurse midwives, and CNSs, the Pennsylvania Medical Society successfully retained current law that requires:
- Strong collaborative agreements between physicians and allied health professionals.
- Limits on the number of allied health professionals a physician may supervise.
- Restrictions on prescriptive authority.
These requirements ensure safety while increasing patient access to qualified allied health practitioners.
However, this may be changed in the regulatory process. The Nursing Board is drafting regulations removing the ratios of physicians to CRNPs and restrictions on CRNPs prescribing scheduled drugs.
In addition, three related bills are still pending.
A bill addressing CRNAs was not included in the negotiation process because the Society opposes proposed legislation that expands the scope of practice of CRNAs. That bill remains in committee.
The Society has chosen not to weigh in on bills affecting pharmacists and dental hygienists.
For a history of the legislation, negotiations, and details on the compromise amendments, visit our timeline on the scope of practice legislation and a summary of the bills.
Last Updated: 10/5/2007