Senate Bill 491 is perhaps the single most important piece of legislation for nurse practitioners in California.  The measure, authored by Senator Ed Hernandez (D-Los Angeles) would remove practice barriers for NPs, allowing them to work autonomously without physician supervision.

Senator Hernandez has introduced this bill as part of his effort to assure that our health care workforce has the capacity to meet the demand for services that will come from implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He knows full well that demand cannot be met as long as NPs and other health care providers are not permitted to practice to the full extent of their abilities.

There’s a long, hard road ahead in order to see that Senate Bill 491 becomes law.  Powerful forces will fight to oppose this measure in order to preserve the status quo.

The next step in the legislative process comes later this month, when the bill is to be considered by the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee.  We urge you to contact the members of the committee to express your support for this vital measure.

SB 491 represents a crucial opportunity for California nurse practitioners. Our unified voice and actions are essential to our success. Please contact the members of the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee today, and urge them to vote “Aye” on Senate Bill 491.
Click the link below to take action on this issue:
http://www.votervoice.net/link/forward/canp/K9ziM4.aspx