Bill Would Grant Baker Act Powers to Florida Nurse Practitioners
Posted over 13 years ago by Stanley F Whittaker
State Rep. Daphne Campbell, D-Miami, wants to authorize Florida's nurse practitioners to initiate involuntary psychiatric examinations under the state's Baker Act.
Though many counseling professionals and physician assistants can involuntarily commit patients who are suicidal or homicidal, advanced registered nurse practitioners have no such authority in Florida, Campbell said.
House Bill 1195 is yet another attempt to broaden the practice of nurse practitioners. Campbell's previous bills to allow Florida NPs to practice at their "full scope," as they do in 48 other states, have been opposed by the Florida Medical Association
.
Campbell, a registered nurse, said she intends to work with the Florida Council of Advanced Practice Nurses and the FMA to "better define the requirements that both physicians and NPs must attain in order to possess certain abilities."
Susan Lynch, a nurse practitioner and council spokeswoman, said, "As primary care providers, nurse practitioners often see patients who are suicidal and need immediate care.