Virginia 2022 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB896

Introduced
1/12/22  
Refer
1/12/22  
Report Pass
2/8/22  
Engrossed
2/11/22  
Refer
2/16/22  
Report Pass
2/24/22  
Enrolled
3/3/22  
Chaptered
4/11/22  

Caption

Nurse practitioner; patient care team provider.

Impact

One significant impact of HB 896 is the amendment to existing regulations pertaining to the practice of nurse practitioners, which now accommodates a more flexible framework for experienced professionals. The bill empowers nurse practitioners to operate independently under certain conditions, particularly if they have demonstrated clinical competence through years of practice. This shift is expected to enhance access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas where there may be a shortage of physicians.

Summary

House Bill 896 addresses the licensure and practice regulations for nurse practitioners in Virginia. The bill allows nurse practitioners to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement after completing at least two years of clinical experience. This change aims to streamline the process for experienced nurse practitioners, making it easier for them to serve patients effectively. Additionally, the bill outlines the collaborative framework required between nurse practitioners and patient care team physicians, emphasizing the roles of both in providing healthcare services.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 896 appears to be supportive among healthcare providers, especially among nurse practitioners who advocate for increased autonomy in their practice. However, there are mixed feelings regarding the bill's implications for patient safety and the necessity of collaboration with physicians. Proponents argue it promotes efficiency and better patient care, while critics express concerns about the potential risks of reduced oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 896 include the debate over the balance of autonomy and physician supervision. Some opponents argue that reducing the requirement for a formal practice agreement could compromise patient safety and care quality, while supporters contend that experienced nurse practitioners are adequately trained to make independent decisions. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities involved in healthcare practice regulations and the varying perspectives on how best to ensure quality care.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA SB2667

Nurse practitioners; authorize to dispense legend drugs to patients.

VA SB2193

Nurse practitioners; authorize to dispense legend drugs to patients.

VA HB232

Collaborative agreements; removes registered nurses from list of practitioners, etc.

VA HB1490

Providing for Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Pilot Program.

VA HB4715

To remove restrictions for supervising physicians for Nurse practitioners or physician assistants in West Virginia

VA SB660

Removing restrictions for supervising physicians for nurse practitioners or physician assistants in WV

VA HB2544

To remove restrictions for supervising physicians for Nurse practitioners or physician assistants in West Virginia

VA SR59

Relative to nurse practitioners.

VA SB25

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist l icense required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

VA HB739

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist l icense required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

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