Trump Executive Order Advances Advanced Practice Nurses

FLORIDA – In the Villages yesterday President Trump signed an Executive Order that can potentially change the role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and how they are reimbursed. President Donald Trump  ordered federal officials to investigate allotting Medicare reimbursement more closely to time spent with patients without consideration of role, seeking to address potential pay disparities between physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.  The Executive Order also looks to expand Medicare Advantage insurance plans and streamline technologies to improve information sharing.

The proposed reimbursement changes are consistent with growing support to remove “Incident to” billing and reimbursement and require all health care providers to bill Medicare and Medicaid services under their unique NPI provider number.

The Executive Order gives the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 1 year to develop recommendations for regulations regarding Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.  Once the recommendations are complete there will be a mandatory public comment period followed by potential implementation.

The Executive Order also tasks HHS with developing a series of recommendations that would potentially remove unnecessary restrictions on the scope of practice for Advanced Practice Nurses.  These recommendations could have implications for Federal regulations limiting APRN practice including the prescribing of home health services and prescribing diabetic shoes.

Obstacles exist to full implementation of the Executive order including the fact that professional licensure is regulated at the State level and here will likely be significant resistance from the Medical Industry regarding the proposed changes.

Governor Ron DiSantis attended the signing of the Executive Order and has historically been strongly supportive of President Trump.  This Executive Order should provide guidance to the Governor and Florida Legislators regarding scope of practice issues in Florida.

This Executive Order provides support for Legislative Proposals to allow APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education and training.  Efforts are underway to encourage nurses, and entities that support them, to reach out to their legislators and Governor DiSantis to support APRN friendly legislation.

Read the full Executive Order here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-protecting-improving-medicare-nations-seniors/

Edward Briggs MS DNP APRN