CLEAR

APSHO urges full scope of practice for advanced practitioners

The Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology has submitted a letter to President Biden urging for regulatory changes to allow advanced practitioners to practice to the full extent of their scope of practice. The letter notes increasing demand for primary care providers and shortages thereof, especially in cancer care, and the demand for interprofessional agility, especially during the COVID pandemic. The letter also cites research indicating the safety of care provided by advanced practitioners practicing to their full scope.

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Wisconsin bill redefines barbering to exclude braiding

A bill under consideration in Wisconsin would amend the state's barbering law to exclude "twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, crocheting, or braiding hair" from the definition of barbering. The bill would allow natural hair braiders to practice without the requirement of a cosmetology or barbering license.  Thirty other states already exempt hair braiders from cosmetology license requirements.

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Arkansas approves certified nurse practitioner independent practice and other bills

HB 1258 has passed in Arkansas to allow certified nurse practitioners full and independent practice authority after completing three years of practice under a collaborative agreement with a physician. Nurses with full practice authority would be able to receive and prescribe drugs, medications and therapeutic devices.

HB 1198 will allow certified registered nurse anesthetists to practice "in consultation with" a physician rather than "under the supervision" of a physician. 

Bills will allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to give vaccinations and immunizations, as well as dispense birth control pills without a prescription within some parameters.

Another bill would allow physicians and medical providers to refuse to perform procedures that go against their conscience, except for emergency care.

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Texas considers expanded optometrist scope of practice

HB 2340 and SB 993 in Texas would expand optometrist scope of practice to include some surgeries, treatment of complex glaucomas, prescription of some controlled substances, and visual diagnostic studies. Arguments in support of the bills include expanded access to care and reduced cost to patients. Arguments in opposition include lack of adequate training to perform these functions. Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have similar legislation, but such legislation did not pass in Vermont.

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Arizona bill considers role of assisted living caregivers

Arizona SB1373 would require assisted living caregivers to initiate basic life support to a resident during a medical emergency before the arrival of first responders. The Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America has raised concerns about the bill, noting that medical assessment is beyond the scope of practice of certified caregivers.

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Oregon considers expanded optometrist scope of practice

HB2541 under consideration in Oregon would expand optometrist scope of practice to include specified ophthalmic surgery procedures and remove the requirement that an optometrist treating patients with antiglaucoma medication must consult with an ophthalmologist. The Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology has spoken in opposition to the bill.

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Update: Utah removes licensing requirements for hair stylists only

Legislation has passed in Utah to exempt from licensing requirements stylists who only "dry, style, arrange, dress, curl, hot iron, shampoo or condition hair." Unlicensed stylists would have to pass a two-hour "hair safety program."

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Utan bill to remove liccensing requirements for "blow dry bars"

A bill under consideration in Utah would eliminate cosmetologist licensing requirements for those that work at blow dry bars and only shampoo, dry and style hair. Workers would have to display a sign noting that they are not licensed.

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Additional health practitioners authorized to administer COVID vaccine

The Philippines Department of Health has announced intentions to request pharmacists and midwives to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. A bill in the Senate is calling for training for dentists, veterinarians and medical technologists to become vaccinators.  Read more

Similarly in South Carolina, a joint order of the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation expands qualified vaccinators to include individuals certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists, and other certifying organizations; students of accredited medical schools; and retired/inactive/lapsed registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.  Read more

In Pennsylvania, pharmacists licensed by the Department of State to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines without a physician's order when vaccines are available to the public. Read more

In Wisconsin, dentists may soon be authorized to administer the vaccine. Read more

In New Jersey, a bill has been introduced that would allow optometrists to administer vaccines. Read more

 

New Jersey: proposed changes to reproductive care access

The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has published draft changes to regulations aimed at expanding access to reproductive health care. The proposal would repeal the Termination of Pregnancy rule, which requires that all terminations of pregnancy be performed only by a physician. Instead, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, certified midwives, and certified nurse midwives would be permitted to perform early aspiration terminations and authorized to provide miscarriage treatment. The proposal is open to public comment through March 5.

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