CRNP Independent Practice Bill Advances Out of Senate Committee
Last Updated: Jun 16, 2021
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee passed the CRNP independent practice bill (Senate Bill 25) out of committee by a vote of 12-2 on June 16, 2021.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) strongly opposes this bill and thanks Sen. John Gordner and Sen. Mike Regan for voting No and recognizing the leadership role physicians have on the health care team.
The coalition of which PAMED is a part of sent a letter to the full Senate opposing Senate Bill 25. Talk to your Senator and urge them to oppose SB 25.
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Key points on why PAMED opposes Senate Bill 25:
- CRNPs already practice to the full extent of their education and training, which in Pennsylvania means that a CRNP can prescribe all medications and other treatments, diagnose and treat acute health problems, monitor and manage chronic
conditions such as diabetes, order blood tests and cultures, order diagnostic imaging studies such as MRIs and CAT scans, provide prenatal care and family planning services, and provide well-childcare and immunizations.
- The only statutory limitation placed on CRNPs is the "patient safety" requirement that a physician be immediately available should a patient's clinical complications or test results or condition require a higher level of interpretation
(i.e. the current requirement for a collaborative agreement)
- While CRNPs are valuable members of the health care team, physicians and nurses are not interchangeable. Senate Bill 25 would remove physicians from the health care team, and fragment patient care.
- Survey says...According to a 2019 Patient Poll conducted by Susquehanna Polling and commissioned by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, more than seven out of 10 Pennsylvanians want to keep collaborative agreements between nurse practitioners
and physicians.