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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Health, if favorable, Judiciary 1, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-26

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill formally defines the scope of practice for four types of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in North Carolina: Certified Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. It removes the requirement that APRNs obtain joint approval from both the Medical Board and Nursing Board to perform certain medical acts, instead allowing the Nursing Board to grant prescribing and practice authority directly.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill increases access to healthcare in North Carolina by allowing over 20,000 APRNs to practice to their full level of education and training without unnecessary government restrictions.
• •They cite research showing that 36 other states have made similar changes with no negative effects on patient safety, a Duke University estimate of $700 million in annual savings, and recommendations from the Institute of Medicine supporting full APRN practice authority.
• •Proponents contend this addresses North Carolina's healthcare provider shortage, particularly for Medicaid expansion patients.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned that removing physician oversight requirements could affect patient safety and quality of care, though the bill's supporters note no evidence of this in other states.
• •Some may worry about reducing physician involvement in treatment decisions or question whether APRNs' education is equivalent to physicians' training.
• •Additionally, removing the joint Medical Board-Nursing Board approval process eliminates a collaborative oversight structure that some stakeholders may view as beneficial for coordinating medical and nursing practice standards.