Allowing nurse practitioners and other APRNs to practice to the level of their education and skill, without the need to maintain cumbersome chart review and meeting requirements, frees up time and resources that can be better spent seeing patients, improving their skills and developing their practices. Independence also allows these practitioners to innovate in new practice areas through owning their own practices.

Currently, Mississippi advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)—including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and certified nurse midwives—require a collaborative relationship with a physician or dentist to practice. Under HB 40, APRNs would no longer need a collaborative relationship once they met certain requirements.

Under HB 40, an APRN who completes 3,600 hours of practice in collaboration with a physician or dentist can apply for independent practice to the Mississippi Board of Nursing. APRNs would be able to count hours practiced prior to July 1, 2026, so many APRNs may qualify as soon as the bill takes effect. APRNs who are approved for independent practice would still be expected to consult with other health care providers and refer or transfer patients as appropriate.

The majority of states allow nurse practitioners to practice independently. Most states have begun to provide reduced oversight or to allow more flexibility but still retain the physician oversight. HB 40 is solidly in line with this trend in providing independence for APRNs. If you would like additional information, to read the language of the bill or to contact the sponsors or committee, you can find the information you need through this link: HB 40.