Back to All NewsNew Connecticut Bill Would Ease Independent Practice Requirements for APRNs
Posted By American Med Spa Association, Tuesday, February 2, 2021
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A new bill filed in Connecticut would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) from other states a reciprocity program and allow APRNs to collaborate with other APRNs. The bill, known as Proposed Bill 5403 (HB 5403), is sponsored by Representative Michelle Cook. It has initially been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health for further deliberation.
Currently, APRNs in Connecticut require a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician for their first three years and 2,000 hours of practice; after that period, they may elect to practice independently. HB 5403 would make three changes to the current state of practice for APRNs. First, in addition to physicians, HB 5403 would allow new APRNs to collaborate with other APRNs in order to complete their first three years of practice. Second, a reciprocity system would be established for out-of-state APRNs that would eliminate the collaborative practice period if they practice for a period of not less than three years and 2,000 hours in compliance with the Connecticut statutes. Finally, a signature rule would be established that would allow APRNs to sign orders, referrals and health statuses that currently require a physician signature.
Greater practice independence has been the biggest trend in APRN practice for the last several years. Connecticut already allows for independent practice, but here we see that is not necessarily the end state of practice. There are frequently areas that are missed in the original legislation and other areas that need addressing. HB 5403 is aimed at smoothing out and resolving some of these “rough patches.” We will be monitoring this legislation this year.
Currently, APRNs in Connecticut require a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician for their first three years and 2,000 hours of practice; after that period, they may elect to practice independently. HB 5403 would make three changes to the current state of practice for APRNs. First, in addition to physicians, HB 5403 would allow new APRNs to collaborate with other APRNs in order to complete their first three years of practice. Second, a reciprocity system would be established for out-of-state APRNs that would eliminate the collaborative practice period if they practice for a period of not less than three years and 2,000 hours in compliance with the Connecticut statutes. Finally, a signature rule would be established that would allow APRNs to sign orders, referrals and health statuses that currently require a physician signature.
Greater practice independence has been the biggest trend in APRN practice for the last several years. Connecticut already allows for independent practice, but here we see that is not necessarily the end state of practice. There are frequently areas that are missed in the original legislation and other areas that need addressing. HB 5403 is aimed at smoothing out and resolving some of these “rough patches.” We will be monitoring this legislation this year.
