We’ve been alerting supporters, educating on key bills, and spotlighting policy risks this spring. See what’s happening around the country, and what we’re focused on.
New Jersey
The state’s Senate Bill 2996 focuses on expanding scope of practice for advanced practice nurses. We sent a letter to the Senate and General Assembly to share important perspectives that expanding scope doesn’t increase rural or primary care access. Rather than waiting for harm to come to patients, we recommend to the lawmakers that New Jersey’s policies should require proof of safety before implementing.
Read our full letter to New Jersey Lawmakers >
West Virginia
A bill in the state legislature (SB956) would amend the scope of practice for physician assistants. The bill proposes eliminating the requirement that physician assistants collaborate with physicians, thus allowing them to practice independently without any physician involvement, raising important questions about patient safety.
How to contact your West Virginia lawmakers >
Kentucky
Senate Bill 12 would amend state statute KRS 211.492 to define “advanced practice provider”, and amend KRS 211.494 to allow Level IV verified trauma centers to utilize physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses who are supervised by physicians to cover emergency departments. This requires the Department of Public Health to promulgate administrative regulations to conform to the new law, and it will be important if this bill passes to follow the comment period for input on the administrative regulations.
Florida
A legislative proposal in the state legislature, HB301, authorizes certain advanced practice registered nurses to engage in autonomous practice to provide mental health services. This bill raises significant considerations regarding patient safety and the provision of mental health services by non-physicians.
The State of Florida Senate Bill Page >
Contact Your Florida Senator >
Ohio
HB508 would amend various sections of standard care arrangements and physician collaboration. This would enact section 4723.439; and repeal sections 4723.45 and 5164.73 of the Revised Code to modify laws governing advanced practice registered nurses. This legislation would be named the “Better Access to Health Care Act.”
This bill, first introduced in late 2025 would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice without a standard care agreement (SCA). The bill focuses on scope of practice and licensing requirements rather than specifying 5,000 hours of instructional or working hours, raising important questions about patient safety.
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