On August 29, State Representative Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green, OH) introduced legislation, House Bill (HB) 726, to allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice independently in Ohio. APRNs can diagnose and treat diseases and can prescribe medications. APRNs must enter mandatory collaboration agreements with physicians under current Ohio law.
HB 726 has not yet been assigned to a committee for consideration. The title of Rep. Gavarone’s bill is the “Better Access, Better Care Act.”
Rep. Gavarone, an attorney, is vice chair of the Ohio House Health Committee – a committee that has rejected previously-introduced APRN independent practice legislation.
If APN’s want autonomy then let the become physicians and truly experience what autonomy means–liability!!!,responsibility for those practicing or functioning under their supervision,call,availability,additional regulations, and everything else physicians must endure. While ancillary providers–PA’s,APN’s,NP’s have a place and function very well and capably they are not Physicians! Let them become “PHYSICIANS” letting them endure the extra education,training and expense and I’ll bet anyone that these are reasons they don’t become “PHYSICIAN’S. While we’re at it let”s endorse witchery!