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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 21, 2021 01:45 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative David S. Hickernell |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Pilot Program |
| I intend to introduce legislation to create a six-year pilot program to allow Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) to practice independently without a collaborative agreement in areas of the Commonwealth that demonstrate a critical shortage of primary care physicians. These areas are referred to as Health Professional Shortage Areas and are designated by the federal government. Under the proposal, the State Board of Nursing is tasked with administering the pilot program and after five years, a study of the program would be conducted by the Joint State Government Commission. Last year, after nearly ten months of negotiation with primary stakeholders, we crafted a legislative proposal that would create the nation’s first pilot project to evaluate the efficacy of independent (CRNP)-led care in rural areas of the Commonwealth. This proposal was added as an amendment to last session’s House Bill 100. This language is identical to legislation that passed the House last session by a vote of 201-1 and was agreed to by all involved stakeholders. The following groups were all involved in language negotiations and all signed off in support of the proposal:
As Pennsylvania continues to experience a critical shortage of primary care providers, especially in rural areas, a proposal to pilot independent CRNP-led care in these areas and study the clinical outcomes data from a rural access and patient safety perspective makes sense. I hope you will consider joining me in sponsoring this important proposal. |