Currently, New York nurse practitioners (NPs) are able to practice independently after completing 3,600 hours of practice in pursuant to a practice agreement and protocol with a physician. This provision was adopted in 2022 to extend some relaxed pandemic era practice requirements. However, these provisions are set to expire on July 1, 2026. If S 2360 and A 1220 were to pass, this section would not expire and instead would become permanent. If they do not pass and once the provisions expire on July 1 then NPs, after they complete the 3,600 hours of practice, would need to maintain a collaborative relationship with a physician, but would not need to have a practice agreement or protocol.

The majority of states allow nurse practitioners to practice independently. Most states have begun to provide reduced oversight or increase flexibility while still retaining the physician oversight. While this reversion to older practice requirements may seem minor, it is a definite step back for NP independence. S 2360 and A 1220 would keep New York solidly part of this trend. If you would like additional information, to read the language of the bills or to contact the sponsors or committee, you can find the information you need through these links: S 2360 and A 1220.