Pennsylvania 2019-2020 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate Bipartisan · 13 D · 9 R cosponsors

SB 25 — An Act amending the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), known as The Professional Nursing Law, further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist license required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of license, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

Last action — Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2019-2020 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

35 added · 36 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of SB 25 has made a couple of key changes. It includes a more specific phrasing around what the board of nursing can approve for advanced practice registered nurses, clarifying that this can involve different areas of practice. This distinction matters because it allows greater flexibility for nurse practitioners to perform necessary medical actions, which could improve access to healthcare for patients.

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PRIOR PRINTER'S NO.
PRINTER'S NO.
334 PRINTER'S NO.
334 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
507 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
WILLIAMS, TARTAGLIONE, KEARNEY AND MUTH, FEBRUARY 27, 2019 SENATOR TOMLINSON, CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, AS AMENDED, MARCH 27, 2019 AN ACT Amending the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), entitled "An act relating to the practice of professional nursing;
WILLIAMS AND TARTAGLIONE, FEBRUARY 27, 2019 REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, FEBRUARY 27, 2019 AN ACT Amending the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), entitled "An act relating to the practice of professional nursing;
* * * (10) "Medical nutrition therapy" means the component of 20190SB0025PN0507 - 2 - nutrition therapy that concerns determining and recommending nutrient needs based on nutritional assessment and medical problems relative to diets prescribed by a licensed physician or an advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner, including:
* * * (10) "Medical nutrition therapy" means the component of 20190SB0025PN0334 - 2 - nutrition therapy that concerns determining and recommending nutrient needs based on nutritional assessment and medical problems relative to diets prescribed by a licensed physician or an advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner, including:
(iii) A physician available to [a certified registered nurse practitioner] an advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner on a regularly scheduled basis for referrals, review of the standards of medical practice incorporating 20190SB0025PN0507 - 3 - consultation and chart review, drug and other medical protocols within the practice setting, periodic updating in medical diagnosis and therapeutics and cosigning records when necessary to document accountability by both parties.
(iii) A physician available to [a certified registered nurse practitioner] an advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner on a regularly scheduled basis for referrals, review of the standards of medical practice incorporating 20190SB0025PN0334 - 3 - consultation and chart review, drug and other medical protocols within the practice setting, periodic updating in medical diagnosis and therapeutics and cosigning records when necessary to document accountability by both parties.
<-- (18) "Controlled substance" means a drug designated as a controlled substance under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act." 20190SB0025PN0507 - 4 - (19) "Nonproprietary drug" means a drug containing a quantity of a controlled substance or a drug which is required by an applicable Federal or State law to be dispensed only by prescription.
(18) "Controlled substance" means a drug designated as a controlled substance under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act." 20190SB0025PN0334 - 4 - (19) "Nonproprietary drug" means a drug containing a quantity of a controlled substance or a drug which is required by an applicable Federal or State law to be dispensed only by prescription.
(22) "Practice of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing" means the practice of an advanced practice registered nurse- certified nurse practitioner to assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe and order, within a population focus AREA approved by <-- the board of nursing that includes the advanced practice <-- registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner's scope of practice.
(22) "Practice of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing" means the practice of an advanced practice registered nurse- certified nurse practitioner to assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe and order, within a population focus approved by the board of nursing that includes the advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner's scope of practice.
State Board of Nursing.--* * * (k) The Board shall have the right and duty to establish rules and regulations for the practice of professional nursing, 20190SB0025PN0507 - 5 - the practice of advanced practice registered nursing, the practice of dietetics-nutrition and the administration of this act.
State Board of Nursing.--* * * (k) The Board shall have the right and duty to establish rules and regulations for the practice of professional nursing, 20190SB0025PN0334 - 5 - the practice of advanced practice registered nursing, the practice of dietetics-nutrition and the administration of this act.
Acts not Prohibited.-- This act confers no authority to practice dentistry, podiatry, optometry, chiropractic, medicine or surgery, nor does it 20190SB0025PN0507 - 6 - prohibit-- (1) Home care of the sick by friends, domestic servants, nursemaids, companions, or household aides of any type, so long as such persons do not represent or hold themselves out to be licensed nurses, licensed registered nurses, or registered nurses;
Acts not Prohibited.-- This act confers no authority to practice dentistry, podiatry, optometry, chiropractic, medicine or surgery, nor does it 20190SB0025PN0334 - 6 - prohibit-- (1) Home care of the sick by friends, domestic servants, nursemaids, companions, or household aides of any type, so long as such persons do not represent or hold themselves out to be licensed nurses, licensed registered nurses, or registered nurses;
(4) The practice of professional nursing or the practice of advanced practice registered nursing, pursuant to a temporary practice permit, by a graduate of an approved program of professional nursing in Pennsylvania or any other state, working under qualified supervision, during the period not to exceed one 20190SB0025PN0507 - 7 - (1) year between completion of his or her program and notification of the results of a licensing examination taken by such person, and during such additional period as the Board may in each case especially permit.
(4) The practice of professional nursing or the practice of advanced practice registered nursing, pursuant to a temporary practice permit, by a graduate of an approved program of professional nursing in Pennsylvania or any other state, working under qualified supervision, during the period not to exceed one 20190SB0025PN0334 - 7 - (1) year between completion of his or her program and notification of the results of a licensing examination taken by such person, and during such additional period as the Board may in each case especially permit.
Temporary Practice Permit.--(a) In order for a person to practice professional nursing or to practice advanced practice registered nursing during the one (1) year period from completion of his or her education program or the one (1) year period from the application for licensure by a person who holds a current license issued by any other state, territory or possession of the United States or the Dominion of Canada, the Board may issue a temporary practice permit which is nonrenewable and valid for a period of one (1) year and during such additional period as the Board may in each case especially 20190SB0025PN0507 - 8 - permit, except that the temporary practice permit shall expire if such person fails the licensing examination.
Temporary Practice Permit.--(a) In order for a person to practice professional nursing or to practice advanced practice registered nursing during the one (1) year period from completion of his or her education program or the one (1) year period from the application for licensure by a person who holds a current license issued by any other state, territory or possession of the United States or the Dominion of Canada, the Board may issue a temporary practice permit which is nonrenewable and valid for a period of one (1) year and during such additional period as the Board may in each case especially 20190SB0025PN0334 - 8 - permit, except that the temporary practice permit shall expire if such person fails the licensing examination.
Persons Entitled to Practice.--(a) The Board shall issue to each person who meets the professional nursing licensure requirements of this act, a certificate setting forth 20190SB0025PN0507 - 9 - that such person is licensed to engage in the practice of professional nursing and entitled to use the title "registered nurse" and the letters "R.N." (b) The Board shall issue to each person who meets the dietitian-nutritionist licensure requirements of this act a certificate setting forth that such person is licensed as a dietitian-nutritionist and entitled to use the title "licensed dietitian-nutritionist" and the letters "L.D.N." A record of [all persons] each person licensed as [dietitian-nutritionists] a dietitian-nutritionist in this Commonwealth shall be kept in the office of the Board and shall be open to public inspection and copying upon payment of a nominal fee for copying the record.
Persons Entitled to Practice.--(a) The Board shall issue to each person who meets the professional nursing licensure requirements of this act, a certificate setting forth 20190SB0025PN0334 - 9 - that such person is licensed to engage in the practice of professional nursing and entitled to use the title "registered nurse" and the letters "R.N." (b) The Board shall issue to each person who meets the dietitian-nutritionist licensure requirements of this act a certificate setting forth that such person is licensed as a dietitian-nutritionist and entitled to use the title "licensed dietitian-nutritionist" and the letters "L.D.N." A record of [all persons] each person licensed as [dietitian-nutritionists] a dietitian-nutritionist in this Commonwealth shall be kept in the office of the Board and shall be open to public inspection and copying upon payment of a nominal fee for copying the record.
Qualifications.--(a) The board may certify a licensed registered nurse as a certified registered nurse practitioner in a particular clinical specialty area if the nurse satisfies the requirements established by this act and regulations promulgated 20190SB0025PN0507 - 10 - by the board.
Qualifications.--(a) The board may certify a licensed registered nurse as a certified registered nurse practitioner in a particular clinical specialty area if the nurse satisfies the requirements established by this act and regulations promulgated 20190SB0025PN0334 - 10 - by the board.
and (ii) fulfills all administrative requirements of the board and possesses all of the other qualifications for certification 20190SB0025PN0507 - 11 - in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this section.
and (ii) fulfills all administrative requirements of the board and possesses all of the other qualifications for certification 20190SB0025PN0334 - 11 - in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this section.
20190SB0025PN0507 - 12 - (2) Is a graduate of an accredited, board-approved master's or post-master's nurse practitioner or doctorate in nursing program.
20190SB0025PN0334 - 12 - (2) Is a graduate of an accredited, board-approved master's or post-master's nurse practitioner or doctorate in nursing program.
(ii) Maintain current certification through a board- recognized national certification program in the population 20190SB0025PN0507 - 13 - focus area in which the nurse is licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner by the board.
(ii) Maintain current certification through a board- recognized national certification program in the population 20190SB0025PN0334 - 13 - focus area in which the nurse is licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner by the board.
(2) A registered nurse who is licensed by the board as an 20190SB0025PN0507 - 14 - advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner in a population focus area is entitled to use the title "advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner" and the letters "APRN-CNP." It shall be unlawful for any other person to use the title "advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner" or the letters "APRN-CNP." (i) (1) An advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner may form a professional corporation with one or more of the following:
(2) A registered nurse who is licensed by the board as an 20190SB0025PN0334 - 14 - advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner in a population focus area is entitled to use the title "advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner" and the letters "APRN-CNP." It shall be unlawful for any other person to use the title "advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner" or the letters "APRN-CNP." (i) (1) An advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner may form a professional corporation with one or more of the following:
(k) An advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse 20190SB0025PN0507 - 15 - practitioner who qualifies for the exception under subsection (j) shall file a form with the board attesting to having engaged in the practice of professional nursing in collaboration with a physician for a period of not less than three (3) years and not less than three thousand six hundred (3,600) hours.
(k) An advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse 20190SB0025PN0334 - 15 - practitioner who qualifies for the exception under subsection (j) shall file a form with the board attesting to having engaged in the practice of professional nursing in collaboration with a physician for a period of not less than three (3) years and not less than three thousand six hundred (3,600) hours.
(3) plan for the management of situations beyond the 20190SB0025PN0507 - 16 - advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner's expertise;
(3) plan for the management of situations beyond the 20190SB0025PN0334 - 16 - advanced practice registered nurse-certified nurse practitioner's expertise;
(c) Except as provided in subsection (c.1), [a certified registered nurse] an advanced practice registered nurse- certified nurse practitioner may prescribe medical therapeutic or corrective measures if the nurse is acting in accordance with 20190SB0025PN0507 - 17 - the provisions of section 8.3.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (c.1), [a certified registered nurse] an advanced practice registered nurse- certified nurse practitioner may prescribe medical therapeutic or corrective measures if the nurse is acting in accordance with 20190SB0025PN0334 - 17 - the provisions of section 8.3.
(1) Supersede the authority of the Department of Health and the Department of Public Welfare to regulate the types of health 20190SB0025PN0507 - 18 - care professionals who are eligible for medical staff membership or clinical privileges.
(1) Supersede the authority of the Department of Health and the Department of Public Welfare to regulate the types of health 20190SB0025PN0334 - 18 - care professionals who are eligible for medical staff membership or clinical privileges.
(2) (i) except as provided under subparagraph (ii), is 20190SB0025PN0507 - 19 - acting in collaboration with a physician as set forth in a written agreement which shall, at a minimum, identify the following:
(2) (i) except as provided under subparagraph (ii), is 20190SB0025PN0334 - 19 - acting in collaboration with a physician as set forth in a written agreement which shall, at a minimum, identify the following:
20190SB0025PN0507 - 20 - (1) The Secretary of Health or, at the discretion of the Secretary of Health, the Physician General as his or her designee, who shall act as chairman.
20190SB0025PN0334 - 20 - (1) The Secretary of Health or, at the discretion of the Secretary of Health, the Physician General as his or her designee, who shall act as chairman.
20190SB0025PN0507 - 21 - Section 8.7.
20190SB0025PN0334 - 21 - Section 8.7.
Continuing Nursing Education.--* * * 20190SB0025PN0507 - 22 - (g) In lieu of meeting the requirements of this section:
Continuing Nursing Education.--* * * 20190SB0025PN0334 - 22 - (g) In lieu of meeting the requirements of this section:
Refusal, Suspension or Revocation of Licenses.-- (a) The Board may refuse, suspend or revoke any license in any case where the Board shall find that-- (1) The licensee is on repeated occasions negligent or 20190SB0025PN0507 - 23 - incompetent in the practice of professional nursing, advanced practice registered nursing or dietetics-nutrition.
Refusal, Suspension or Revocation of Licenses.-- (a) The Board may refuse, suspend or revoke any license in any case where the Board shall find that-- (1) The licensee is on repeated occasions negligent or 20190SB0025PN0334 - 23 - incompetent in the practice of professional nursing, advanced practice registered nursing or dietetics-nutrition.
20190SB0025PN0507 - 24 - * * * (b) When the Board finds that the license of any nurse or dietitian-nutritionist may be refused, revoked or suspended under the terms of subsection (a), the Board may:
20190SB0025PN0334 - 24 - * * * (b) When the Board finds that the license of any nurse or dietitian-nutritionist may be refused, revoked or suspended under the terms of subsection (a), the Board may:
The unlawful practice of nursing [as defined in this act] or the unlawful practice of advanced practice registered nursing may be enjoined by the 20190SB0025PN0507 - 25 - courts on petition of the Board or the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs.
The unlawful practice of nursing [as defined in this act] or the unlawful practice of advanced practice registered nursing may be enjoined by the 20190SB0025PN0334 - 25 - courts on petition of the Board or the Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs.
20190SB0025PN0507 - 26 -
20190SB0025PN0334 - 26 -
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Amendments

2 amendments

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Action History

  1. Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

  2. Third consideration and final passage

  3. Re-reported as committed

  4. Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS

  5. Second consideration

  6. First consideration

  7. PN 0507 Reported as amended

  8. PN 0334 Referred to CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 32 co-sponsors · 220 not signed on · 2 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (32)

Not signed on (220)

220 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

FINAL PASSAGE

Passed 44 Yea · 6 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 15200
Unaffiliated 16400
Democratic 13000
Total 44600
% of votes cast 88%12%0%0%
How each member voted (50)
Member Party Vote
REGAN — Nay
SABATINA — Yea
SCARNATI — Yea
SCAVELLO — Yea
WILLIAMS, ANTHONY H — Yea
YUDICHAK — Yea
AUMENT — Yea
BLAKE — Yea
BREWSTER — Yea
BROWNE — Nay
CORMAN — Nay
DINNIMAN — Yea
DISANTO — Yea
FARNESE — Yea
FOLMER — Yea
GORDNER — Nay
IOVINO — Yea
KILLION — Yea
LEACH — Yea
MENSCH — Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Christine M. Tartaglione Democratic Yea
Jay Costa Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Katie J. Muth Democratic Yea
Lindsey M. Williams Democratic Yea
Lisa M. Boscola Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Yea
Timothy P. Kearney Democratic Yea
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Yea
Wayne D. Fontana Democratic Yea
Camera Bartolotta Republican Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
David G. Argall Republican Yea
Doug Mastriano Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Gene Yaw Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kathleen C. Tomlinson Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Nay
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Nay
Lisa Baker Republican Yea
Michele Brooks Republican Yea
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Scott E. Hutchinson Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Committee vote (APPROPRIATIONS): Re-Reported as Committed

Passed 23 Yea · 1 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 8100
Unaffiliated 8000
Democratic 7000
Total 23100
% of votes cast 96%4%0%0%
How each member voted (24)
Member Party Vote
BLAKE — Yea
KILLION — Yea
LEACH — Yea
MENSCH — Yea
SCAVELLO — Yea
BROWNE — Yea
CORMAN — Yea
SCARNATI — Yea
Art Haywood Democratic Yea
Jay Costa Democratic Yea
Judith L. Schwank Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Sharif Street Democratic Yea
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Yea
Vincent J. Hughes Democratic Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
David G. Argall Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea
Gene Yaw Republican Yea
Joe Pittman Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Nay
Patrick J. Stefano Republican Yea
Scott Martin Republican Yea
Wayne Langerholc Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Committee vote (CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE): Reported as Amended

Passed 12 Yea · 2 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 4000
Democratic 3000
Unaffiliated 5200
Total 12200
% of votes cast 86%14%0%0%
How each member voted (14)
Member Party Vote
FARNESE — Yea
KILLION — Yea
SCAVELLO — Yea
YUDICHAK — Yea
SCARNATI — Yea
GORDNER — Nay
REGAN — Nay
Lisa M. Boscola Democratic Yea
Maria Collett Democratic Yea
Steven J. Santarsiero Democratic Yea
Judy Ward Republican Yea
Kathleen C. Tomlinson Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Lisa Baker Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare labor
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 25?
SB 25 is sponsored by Lindsey M. Williams (Democratic), Jay Costa (Democratic), Anthony H. Williams (Democratic), Lisa Baker (Republican), Judy Ward (Republican), Camera Bartolotta (Republican), Lisa M. Boscola (Democratic), Vincent J. Hughes (Democratic), Scarnati, Wayne Langerholc (Republican), Folmer, Brewster, Wayne D. Fontana (Democratic), Scott E. Hutchinson (Republican), Patrick J. Stefano (Republican), Judith L. Schwank (Democratic), Maria Collett (Democratic), Blake, Art Haywood (Democratic), Leach, Scavello, Yudichak, Daniel Laughlin (Republican), Sharif Street (Democratic), David G. Argall (Republican), Farnese, Mensch, Sabatina, Christine M. Tartaglione (Democratic), Timothy P. Kearney (Democratic), Katie J. Muth (Democratic), Gene Yaw (Republican), and Iovino.
What is the current status of SB 25?
This bill died with 2019-2020 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 25?
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