Proposed Expansion of Autonomous Practice for Psychiatric Nurses

Original title: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice

March 13, 2026

Companion · HB 301same policy, House version

nursing mental health healthcare regulation professional licensing regulation of professions and occupations

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The Frame

What this does

If enacted, this change would allow patients to access mental health services directly from specialized nurses, potentially increasing the availability of mental health care providers in Florida.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurses

The bill grants them the authority to engage in autonomous practice for mental health services.

Patients requiring mental health services

They gain the option to receive mental health services from an APRN without the requirement of physician supervision.

What changed

Last recorded activity March 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Background

The bill was introduced in the 2026 legislative session but did not advance past the Health Policy committee. context

Summary

This bill would allow certain psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to provide mental health services independently without physician supervision. It expands the existing authority currently limited to primary care settings.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

If enacted, this change would allow patients to access mental health services directly from specialized nurses, potentially increasing the availability of mental health care providers in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill allow all nurses to practice independently?

No. It specifically applies to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are already registered under , and specifically those certified as psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses.

Can these nurses now issue medical marijuana certifications?

No. The bill explicitly states that APRNs registered for may not issue a physician certification under s. 381.986.