Back to All NewsNew Louisiana Bill Would Allow Independent Practice for APRNs
Posted By American Med Spa Association, Thursday, April 8, 2021
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A new bill filed in Louisiana would allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice independently from physicians. The bill, known as House Bill 495 (HB 495), is sponsored by Representative Barry Ivey. It has provisionally been referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee for further consideration.
Currently, APRNs in Louisiana require a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to practice. These agreements must specify the APRN’s ability to prescribe medications and parameters for consultation with the physician. Under HB 495, APRNs would instead practice according to rules adopted by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing but would no longer be required to be supervised by or in collaboration with a physician. This would include diagnosing and prescribing therapeutic treatments, devices, medications, legend drugs and controlled substances.
Greater practice independence has been the biggest trend in APRN practice for the last several years. The majority of states now allow APRNs some path to practicing without direct supervision; if HB 495 passes, Louisiana would become part of this trend. We will be monitoring this legislation this year.
Currently, APRNs in Louisiana require a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to practice. These agreements must specify the APRN’s ability to prescribe medications and parameters for consultation with the physician. Under HB 495, APRNs would instead practice according to rules adopted by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing but would no longer be required to be supervised by or in collaboration with a physician. This would include diagnosing and prescribing therapeutic treatments, devices, medications, legend drugs and controlled substances.
Greater practice independence has been the biggest trend in APRN practice for the last several years. The majority of states now allow APRNs some path to practicing without direct supervision; if HB 495 passes, Louisiana would become part of this trend. We will be monitoring this legislation this year.
