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New York, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Delaware Become the latest States to Adopt Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners

Client Alert

While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly created many obstacles and hardships, it also created many opportunities to try doing things differently. This can be seen in the instant rise of remote work opportunities, telehealth visits, and virtual meetings. Many States took the challenges of the pandemic and turned them into an opportunity to adjust the regulations governing licensed professionals, including for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). 

On April 15, 2022, Kansas became the latest state to remove practice restrictions on nurse practitioners and allow them to practice completely independent of any regulatorily mandated contractual relationship with a physician. This was very shortly after similar changes were made in New York, Massachusetts, and Delaware. In total, 26 States, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Guam and Northern Mariana Islands) now permit nurse practitioners to practice without any mandated collaborative agreement or supervision. Many other States, including Ohio, are currently evaluating legislation to implement full practice authority for APRNs. A map illustrating the current position of all U.S. States and territories regarding full practice authority can be found here.

It should be noted that each full practice authority State is different with regards to the requirements to practice independently. For example, some States require a transition to practice period where the APRN practices under supervision or regulatory collaboration for a minimum period of time before being licensed to practice independently.

The trend towards adopting full practice authority for APRNs will have a direct impact on the number of patient care roles that will be filled by APRNs. Over the course of seven years (as reported in 2020), the number of nurse practitioners in the U.S. more than doubled. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor expects the number of jobs held by nurse practitioners, CRNAs, and certified nurse midwives to increase 45% between 2020 and 2030.

If you have questions about APRN practice rules or starting an APRN-driven business, please don’t hesitate to contact Jeana Singleton by email at: jmsingleton@bmdllc.com, or by phone at: (330) 253-2001 or another member of the Health Law Department at Brennan, Manna & Diamond.


DEA and HHS Issue its Third Extension of Telemedicine Flexibilities through 2025

The DEA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have extended telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications through December 31, 2025. This extension builds on temporary exceptions made in 2020 due to COVID-19, allowing providers to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances based on a telemedicine evaluation alone. The extension ensures continued patient access to necessary prescriptions and provides time for providers to comply with future regulations.

Medicare Making Changes to Improve Behavioral Health Care Access

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced changes to Medicare’s behavioral health coverage, including allowing Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to enroll independently, increasing reimbursements for crisis psychotherapy and substance use treatment, and expanding services via community health workers. These updates address gaps in care and improve access to mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries.

The Ohio Department of Medicaid Announces Four Next Generation MyCare Plans

On November 1, 2024, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) announced four managed care organizations that will become ODM’s Next Generation MyCare plans starting January 2026. MyCare Ohio is a managed care program that supports Ohioans across 29 counties enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Deadline: December 31

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which became effective January 1, 2024, imposes strict reporting guidelines on small business owners throughout the country.  The deadline for non-exempt businesses to submit reporting is December 31, 2024.

Permanent Injunction of “Heartbeat” Abortion Ban in Ohio

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins has ruled Ohio’s six-week abortion ban unconstitutional, citing the state’s new reproductive rights amendment. This ruling emphasizes that Ohio law must fully reflect the will of voters, offering clarity for medical providers and safeguarding women's health care rights.