AB 890 Launches Renewed Pursuit of Full Practice Authority
Last week’s introduction of Assembly Bill 890 marks both the culmination of efforts to assure that nurse practitioner practice barriers are addressed as part of the current legislative discussion over health care reform, and the beginning of the hard work that lies ahead in enabling California NPs to practice to the full extent of their education, experience and expertise.
Authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa), AB 890 would allow California to join 22 other states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as jurisdictions that have instituted full practice authority for nurse practitioners. California is one of 28 states that restrict practice for nurse practitioners and is the only one in the West.
“Working in health care for as many years as I have, I’ve seen the need to maximize the education and training of health care providers to meet the needs of consumers throughout this state,” Wood, a family dentist who practiced for 25 years, said in a press release announcing the bill. “When California, a state that usually leads in innovation and progressive thinking, hasn’t caught up with the 22 states that have already made this change, I think it’s time we recognize the value NPs can bring to patients and the entire health care system.”
With health care reform a clear-cut priority for Governor Gavin Newsom, and a primary focus for the 2019-20 Legislative Session, a groundbreaking new report from the California Future Health Workforce Commission is certain to impact the conversation over AB 890. Released February 4, the report concluded that maximizing the role of nurse practitioners is a critical step in alleviating the state’s shortage of primary care providers.
Among the commission’s 24 members, Wood is the only current legislator.
AB 890 would enable NPs in California to work within a specified scope of practice without physician supervision. To qualify for this new model, NPs would need to hold a national certification (not currently required for all NPs practicing in California), and must carry medical malpractice insurance. Newly licensed NPs would have to work under supervision for a transition to practice, the hours of which have not yet been specified.
The bill resulted from months of discussions between CANP’s advocacy team and Wood’s staff regarding the introduction of the bill and language to be included, and the Association will continue to work closely with the author throughout the legislative process. CANP also engaged with potential co-authors, providing them substantial background information on the bill and asking for their commitment of support. Ultimately, a bipartisan group of nine co-authors signed on in support. They include Assemblymembers Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), Celia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), Laura Friedman (D-Burbank), James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), and Mike Gipson (D-Carson), and Senators Jeff Stone (R-Temecula), Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), and Connie Leyva (D-Chino).
Next Steps in the Process
As AB 890 awaits its first policy committee hearing, expected in April, fostering partnerships with other organizations supporting NP full practice authority will be a key part of the process. Already stepping up in support is the Steinberg Institute, formed by Darrell Steinberg – currently the Mayor of Sacramento and formerly the President Pro Tem of the State Senate – to advance sound public policy and inspire leadership on issues of mental health.
Tell Us Your Story to Help Boost
Our Efforts in Support of AB 890
CANP is ready to make history, but we need your help!
The release of the California Future Health Workforce Commission report called for full practice authority and an increase in NPs across California. Assemblymember Jim Wood is leading this new effort and has introduced a new bill (AB 890) to make full practice authority a reality.
Help us tell your story! Have current practice barriers limited your ability to make a difference in California? We need real stories to help educate the Legislature, the media and thought leaders. Please share your story with our team today.
|
“The time has come for California to stop letting its citizens suffer from preventable or treatable illnesses just because qualified and highly trained nurse practitioners are shackled by outdated rules,” said Steinberg Institute Executive Director Maggie Merritt in a press release. “Let nurse practitioners do their jobs.”
In addition, the effort will rely heavily on grassroots outreach by CANP members and allies. These activities have been instrumental in educating lawmakers about what a nurse practitioner is and the vital role that NPs play. With four years (and two election cycles) having passed since the last time such a bill was introduced in California, there are many new legislators with whom to continue (or begin) the process of developing a relationship.
Two upcoming CANP events will provide opportunities to learn more details about AB 890 and what lies ahead. During the March 15 Legislative Update session at the Association’s upcoming 42nd Annual Educational Conference, CANP Legislative Advocate Kristy Wiese will discuss the latest developments, as well as the challenges, opportunities and expectations along the path through the legislative process to the Governor’s desk. In addition, CANP Lobby Day, taking place May 13, will feature an AB 890 update in preparation for legislative office visits to take place that day.