Rural communities in Pennsylvania face significant challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare. The distance people have to travel and the lack of public transportation can make it difficult for them to receive the care they need. To address these challenges, Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) has introduced legislation that aims to improve access to healthcare in rural areas.
Senate Bill 25, as amended, would allow qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses-Certified Nurse Practitioners (APRN-CNPs) to practice primary health care independently in rural counties after fulfilling a three-year, 3,600-hour collaboration agreement with a physician. Currently, nurse practitioners must always practice under a collaboration agreement.
The bill defines rural areas according to the Center for Rural PA’s definition, which means that it will apply to over 3.4 million Pennsylvanians living in rural communities. By granting nurse practitioners full practice authority, the number of patients they can see per week could increase significantly, providing much-needed relief to rural residents who struggle to find adequate healthcare providers.
The bill has now advanced from the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and is awaiting further consideration by the full Senate. Those interested in learning more about this important legislation should contact Katrina Hanna at 717-787-1463 for more information on how you can support it.
