Rep.Daphne Campbell RN Files HB 9 Baker Act Bill

Tallahassee December 4, 2012. Representative Daphne Campbell RN filed HB 9 to allow ARNPs and PAs to sign certification for involuntary examination of patients who are suicidal and homicidal. Most ARNPs practice in primary care settings and are the first line of medical evaluation and treatment for patients. ARNPs must be able to protect their patients from self harm and the public from homicidal patients. The law allows for many other professionals to sign certificates of involuntary examination including social workers, mental health counselors, psychiatric nurses, law enforcement officers, and physicians. Presently in order for an ARNP to get help or protect the public the ARNP must call law enforcement to evaluate the patient. This places unnecessary burdens on the law enforcement and delays care for patients. Please click here for talking points and call your state legislators to support this bill.

Board Chair Stan Whittaker spent this week testifying at committee meetings in Tallahassee. Stan spent his days off visiting the house and senate and attending all committee meetings relating to health care. He testified at the Affordable Care Act and the Health Policy Committee meetings about how the Medicaid Waiver will put some NP clinics out of business. He also talked about the decrease in numbers of NPs in the state that has taken place over the past two years. Several legislators came up to Stan after the meetings to discuss these problems.