Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

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

Client Alert
May 19, 2022

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.

Jeana Singletonnurse practitionersHealth Law
Client Alert

HHS Revokes Public Comment Requirement on Certain Policy Changes

March 5, 2025The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revoked the Richardson Waiver, eliminating the requirement for public notice and comment on certain policy changes. This decision allows HHS to implement new policies more quickly, potentially affecting healthcare funding rules like Medicaid work requirements. While it speeds up policymaking, it also reduces opportunities for stakeholder input, raising concerns over transparency and unintended consequences for healthcare providers, states, and patients.Client Alert

Don't Get Caught Dazed and Confused: Another Florida Court Weighs in on Employer Obligations to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use

March 3, 2025A Florida trial court ruled in Giambrone v. Hillsborough County that employers may need to accommodate off-duty medical marijuana use under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). This contrasts with prior rulings and raises new compliance challenges for employers. With the case on appeal, now is the time to review workplace drug policies.Client Alert

Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

February 28, 2025Recent federal rulings have impacted the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. While reporting requirements were briefly reinstated, FinCEN has now paused enforcement and is reevaluating the CTA. Businesses are no longer required to submit reports until further guidance is issued. For updates and legal counsel, contact BMD Member Blake Gerney.Client Alert

Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

February 26, 2025Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.Client Alert

January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

February 25, 2025In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.
Older posts
Newer posts