Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

Primary Care Practice Officially Defined in Florida for APRNs Practicing Autonomously

Client Alert
October 12, 2021

Overview

As many providers in Florida are aware, House Bill 607 (the “Bill”), which was passed in February of last year, gives certain APRNs in Florida the ability to practice autonomously. The only catch is that they must work in primary practice. When the Bill was initially passed, there was question as to what was exactly considered primary care, absent a definition from the Florida Board of Nursing. However, as of February 25, 2021, “primary care practice” has officially been defined.

Florida Administrative Code 64B9-4.001

Florida Statute 464.0123, which sets forth the requirements for APRN autonomous practice, states, “[a]n advanced practice registered nurse who is registered under this section may engage in autonomous practice only in primary care practice, including family medicine, general pediatrics, and general internal medicine, as defined by board rule.”

However, the Board of Nursing had not yet provided such a definition when the statute was passed, leaving APRN's confused as to whether they qualified for an autonomous practice license. In February, primary care was defined in Florida Administrative Code 64B9-4.001(12) as including, “physical and mental health promotion, assessment, evaluation, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, inclusive of behavioral and mental health conditions.” While this definition also encompasses mental health treatment, in addition to family medicine and general medicine, anything involving specialty care will still require a collaborative agreement.[1]

In Practice

The Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners further explains when an APRN’s practice is considered primary care and when it is not. For example, administering Botox may be considered primary care if the provider is using it for migraines in a primary care setting, while administering it in a MedSpa or using it for wrinkle treatment outside of a primary care setting would not be considered primary care and would require the APRN to practice pursuant to a collaboration agreement.[2]

Conclusion

It is important to note that even if an APRN is working in a primary care setting and offering primary care to their patients, they may not practice autonomously until they have applied for an autonomous license and have been approved.

If you have any questions about whether you qualify for an autonomous license in Florida, or have any other questions about the application process and requirements, please contact Amanda Waesch at alwaesch@bmdllc.com.

[1] Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners, Autonomous Practice Q&A, (Feb. 22, 2021) https://www.flanp.org/page/AutonomousPractice.

[2] Id.

healthcare lawAmanda L. Waesch
Client Alert

CLIENT ALERT: Low Volume Appeals Settlement for RAC Appeals

May 4, 2018In April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a new settlement proposal to providers with outstanding appeals at the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (“OMHA”) and the Medicare Appeals Council (“MAC”). Essentially, CMS is offering to pay up to 62% of the claim to the provider for qualifying claims that are currently in the appeal process. Interested providers may submit an Expression of Interest (“EOI”) to CMS by June 8, 2018. Providers should explore this settlement opportunity and submit an EOI to receive an offer of settlement. Providers may decline the offer after the EOI is submitted. Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC’s Provider Relations, Audit, and Appeals Unit, a division of its Healthcare Department, is able to assist providers with filing the EOI, analyzing the outstanding claims subject to the settlement, and reviewing the Administrative Agreement that is offered by CMS.Client Alert

CLIENT ALERT: Ohio Managed Care Organization (MCO) Open Enrollment

May 1, 2018Open Enrollment started April 30, and will continue through May 25, 2018, for your MCO (Managed Care Organization). Every State Fund Ohio employer can select their MCO for the coming policy year. The MCO is responsible for helping to manage Ohio Workers’ Compensation claim costs. All State Fund employers will begin to receive correspondence urging them to select that particular MCO, or urging them not to make a switch.Client Alert

Medical Marijuana Rules and You

April 4, 2018The Ohio Medical Board has adopted regulations in conjunction with the Ohio Pharmacy Board that would govern physicians who may elect to participate under the Ohio Medical Marijuana statutes.Client Alert

BMD Obtains Dismissal of ADA Title III Suit Against National Outlet Mall Chain

February 6, 2018On January 12, 2018, Brennan, Manna & Diamond obtained the dismissal of an Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) lawsuit filed against Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The suit, which was brought under Title III of the ADA, alleged that Tanger’s Byron Center, Michigan outlet mall contained barriers to access in violation of the ADA’s accessibility requirements. The plaintiff demanded prospective injunctive relief, including a retrofit of the entire mall, as well as expert witness and attorneys’ fees.Client Alert

CLIENT ALERT: Bureau of Workers' Compensation Budget Amends Law

December 20, 2017Bureau of Workers' Compensation Budget Amends Law As we head into 2018, you should be aware of some recent changes made in Ohio’s laws concerning Workers’ Compensation. These changes became effective September 29, 2017. Some will affect business more than others, but these are changes you should really know about.
Older posts
Newer posts