AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-15-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCLUDE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES IN THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE MISSISSIPPI NURSING PRACTICE LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 73-15-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND REVISE CERTAIN DEFINITIONS IN THE NURSING PRACTICE LAW REGARDING ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE; TO AMEND SECTION 73-15-20, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE NURSES; TO PROVIDE THAT CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONERS, CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIVES, AND CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF MAINTAINING A COLLABORATIVE/CONSULTATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH A LICENSED PHYSICIAN OR DENTIST AFTER COMPLETING 3,600 PRACTICE HOURS; TO PROVIDE THAT CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONERS, CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIVES, AND CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS MAY APPLY HOURS WORKED BEFORE JULY 1, 2026, TO FULFILL THE HOUR REQUIREMENT; TO AMEND SECTION 73-15-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCLUDE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES IN THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST NURSES; TO AMEND SECTION 41-21-131, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The implications of HB40 are significant for the practice of nursing in Mississippi. By removing the rigid requirement for maintaining a collaborative agreement with a physician after accumulating sufficient practice experience, the bill intends to encourage more efficient healthcare delivery and enable APRNs to serve patients more independently. This shift could also help to address healthcare provider shortages, particularly in underserved areas where APRNs can play a crucial role in patient care. Additionally, the inclusion of APRNs in grounds for disciplinary actions maintains a standard of accountability while expanding the professional landscape for nursing in the state.
Summary
House Bill 40 amends various sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to include advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the scope of the state’s Nursing Practice Law. The bill seeks to enhance the professional standing of APRNs by accommodating changes that reflect the evolving roles of these healthcare professionals. Specifically, the bill updates definitions to better align with modern nursing practices and eliminates certain previously mandated collaborative relationships with physicians or dentists for APRNs who have acquired sufficient experience. Under this bill, certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists will only be required to maintain a collaborative relationship after they have completed 3,600 practice hours. This change is aimed at providing more autonomy to experienced APRNs while still retaining necessary oversight during their early career stages.
Contention
Opponents of HB40 may express concerns regarding patient safety and the adequacy of supervision over APRNs as they gain more independence in practice. Some stakeholders could argue that the previous requirement for collaboration with a physician was a necessary safeguard to ensure quality patient care, particularly in complex cases requiring medical oversight. Supporters of the bill, however, view it as a progressive step towards recognizing and legitimizing the expertise of APRNs within the healthcare system. The tension between maintaining sufficient oversight and allowing more professional autonomy for APRNs will likely remain a key point of discussion in legislative and public health circles.