Florida Board of Nursing final ruling on Primary Care

In 2020 Florida Legislators extended autonomous practice to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the “Primary Care” role. The ability for APRNs to apply for autonomous practice was dependent on the definition of what “Primary Care” was.

The legislation that granted autonomous practice also included the forming of a Council on Autonomous Practice to develop the scope, and standards, of practice for APRNs.

After several Council meetings the following rules and interpretations are enacted:

The Board’s definition of “primary care practice” is now in effect (as of February 25, 2021).

“Primary care practice – includes physical and mental health promotion, assessment, evaluation, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, inclusive of behavioral and mental health conditions.”

The Board’s interpretation of “standards of practice” includes:

“Includes physical and mental health promotion, assessment, evaluation, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, inclusive of behavioral and mental health conditions”.

The Board also voted to accept the recommendation, also for adoption by rule, from the Council on APRN Autonomous Practice for “standards of practice” as:

“Advanced practice registered nurses who are registered pursuant to Section 464.0123, F.S., shall engage in autonomous practice only in a manner that meets the General Standard of Practice. The General Standard of Practice shall be that standard of practice, care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similarly situated health care providers.”