***Attention Florida licensed APRNs*** Success in Florida! Governor Signs APRN Titling Legislation into Law

Dear AANP Florida Members,

Good News! Governor Scott signed into law House Bill 1337, a new law that will change the term “Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner” to “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse” and further defines advanced practice roles. The new law will move Florida closer to the national standard for APRN title, licensure and recognition of all four APRN roles.

Here’s what’s important to know:

• While HB1337 doesn’t change practice or alter requirements for licensure, it brings Florida into closer alignment with national standards for nursing regulation. The new language clarifies existing licensure requirements already in practice into Florida law.
• Currently, advanced practice registered nurses in all four roles are referred to throughout Florida statute as “Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners.” Updating Florida law to reflect the current modernized title of “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse” ensures consistency with national standards and clarifies a Florida APRN’s ability to use and advertise their title and role as an advanced practice registered nurse.
• Proper use of title better reflects an APRNs education and training and creates transparency for patients in understanding the credentials of their provider.

Congrats to the Florida APRN community for pulling together and working collectively to bring this important legislation forward. The work you did this year will help in future sessions. The successes this session not only improve patient care, they provide greater awareness of the high-quality care that NPs are already providing to Florida patients.

The AANP State Government Affairs team will continue to monitor the new law as it moves to the regulatory process and work closely with stakeholders to ensure implementation effectively reduces barriers for patient access to NP care. We will continue to inform Florida members of further developments to the state practice environment.

Sincerely,

Jacinto Garrido, PhD, DNP, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
AANP South Florida State Representative

Susan Lynch, MSN, NP-C
AANP North Florida State Representative

Ashley Shew
AANP State Policy Analyst