Research and expertise, paired with passionate physician advocacy, lead to safer care for patients. That’s why leaders and researchers from PPP worked on a study examining how Florida nurse practitioners frequently practice outside of the legal limitations of the scope of practice allowed.
The study provided strong evidence that many autonomous NPs in Florida have set up specialty practices and other services not within the legal scope of practice under Florida law. Stricter enforcement of NP practice within the scope of training and legislation is needed to address this.
Now, Florida regulators are taking note. We raised the alarm and sent a letter to the state’s Department of Health detailing our research-backed findings. We asked the department to review licensure verification and auditing mechanisms. This is particularly important right now in Florida as lawmakers are considering new proposals to expand the scope of practice for non-physician practitioners. The board made this their first topic to review on their February 5, 2026 meeting.
Physician expertise and training help keep healthcare safe for patients. When physicians advocate for patient safety, it leads to better regulatory outcomes in Florida and across the country.
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