MAAPC Legislative Update 2016

Although we didn't need a lot of letters and calls to the General Assembly, MAAPC was monitoring, testifying, supporting and against several pieces of legislation that affected APRN practice. Following is a brief summary.

HB104: Medical Cannabis - Written Certifications - Certifying Providers. Effective Date(s): June 1, 2017

We made sure that nurse midwives were kept in the bill despite some strongly worded testimony. Thank you to all who sent letters to the Senate Judicial committee!

SB411 / HB1494: Income Tax - Credit for Preceptors in Areas With Health Care Workforce Shortages. Effective Date(s): July 1, 2016

This bill originally only included physicians. Lorraine Diana, MAAPC's Legislative Chair, wrote the amendment to add NPs. We attempted to add all APRNs but did not have enough representation to get further amendments.

SB393 / HB490: Maryland Nurse Practice Act - Peer Review and Advisory Committees and Penalties. Effective Date(s): October 1, 2016

A cleanup bill from the MBoN: Repealing the requirement that the State Board of Nursing appoint specified peer review committees; authorizing the Board to appoint peer advisory committees to provide the Board with expert advice related to the practice of nursing by advanced practice nurses; providing that a member of a peer advisory committee is entitled to receive compensation, as determined by the Board, and reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget; etc.

SB66: Professional Corporations - Approval of Corporate Name by Licensing Unit and Professional Organization – Exemption

We supported this bill. It affects APRNs opening their own business and using the name they choose without oversight from the MBoN.

Maryland Anesthesiologists Assistants Act – we opposed as did others and it was withdrawn, sent out for more study

To look up these bills and find out more information, please visit our legislative website: APRNPractice.org and click on General Assembly. And as always, please become a member today and help us keep Maryland healthcare safe and APRN friendly ☺ Elaine.