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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-03-26

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill legally 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 establishes a separate APRN license and removes certain requirements for physician oversight of APRN prescribing and medical decision-making, aligning North Carolina with 36 other states that have expanded APRN practice authority.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses North Carolina's healthcare provider shortage by allowing over 20,000 qualified APRNs to practice to their full educational level, improving patient access to care.
• •They cite research showing APRNs provide safe, quality care and reference a Duke University economist's estimate of $700 million in annual savings.
• •Proponents note that 36 other states have already made similar changes with no evidence of harm and argue the current regulatory ambiguity creates unnecessary costs and inefficiency.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned about removing physician oversight requirements, arguing that collaborative relationships with doctors ensure patient safety and quality control.
• •Some medical professionals might worry about scope creep or loss of collaborative care standards.
• •Additionally, questions could be raised about whether existing research on APRN independence fully applies to North Carolina's specific healthcare infrastructure and patient populations, and whether the bill adequately maintains quality assurance mechanisms.