Pennsylvania could soon see an increase in access to primary health care in rural areas thanks to a bill sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46). The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee has approved Senate Bill 25, which will allow qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses-Certified Nurse Practitioners (APRN-CNPs) to provide primary care independently in rural counties after completing a three-year, 3,600-hour collaboration agreement with a physician.
Currently, nurse practitioners are required to work under a collaboration agreement at all times. However, individuals living in rural areas often have limited access to public transportation and must travel long distances to receive medical care. This can be particularly challenging for elderly residents who require more frequent care.
The bill defines rural areas based on the Center for Rural PA’s criteria, which considers a county rural if its population density is fewer than 291 people per square mile. Over 3.4 million Pennsylvanians reside in rural regions, where nurse practitioners are more likely than physicians to practice. Studies indicate that implementing full practice authority for nurse practitioners could lead to serving nearly 1,800 more patients per week.
Sen. Bartolotta emphasized the challenges faced by rural residents in accessing necessary health care and highlighted the importance of this legislation in addressing these issues. The bill will now proceed to the full Senate for further deliberation before being sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For more information about Senate Bill 25 or any other legislation being considered by the Pennsylvania State Senate, please contact Katrina Hanna at 717-787-1463.