SB 1676 – Relating to Direct Care Workers

On Tuesday, March 3, SB 1676 by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee and was reported favorable with 16 yeas and 4 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

The bill expands the scope of practice for registered nurses (RNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and home health aides (HHAs) and establishes the Patient Access to Primary Care Pilot Program within the Department of Health to provide primary health care services in “primary care health professional shortage areas” by allowing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) who meet certain criteria to engage in the autonomous practice of advanced or specialized nursing without the supervision of a physician.

SB 1676 will now move to the Senate floor.

AIF supports legislative efforts that expand access to healthcare for employers and keeps healthcare costs low for Florida businesses.