Please read the following 2 announcements regarding ARNP practice in Florida.  The first is in regards to the Bill proposed by Rep Daphne Campbell and Senator Siplin which would allow ARNPs to Baker Act individuals.  Please call, write or email these representatives and give them your support.  Rep Campbell has great respect and fights hard for the rights of ARNPs.  The 2nd is a notice regarding a new medicaid HMO that is wanting to work with ARNPs. I will keep you informed of any updates as I get them.

1. We have filed HB 1157 by Rep Daphne Campbell RN with a senate companion bill filed Friday by Senator Siplin.

The bill amends s. 394.463, F.S by adding ARNP to the list of professionals who may baker act. 

The Sunshine State News did an article on the issue and asked for the FMA response. Interestingly enough, they deferred comment. Click Here See attatched bill 

2. Dear Colleagues,

A major HMO Medicaid group has contacted FNA and CAP-PAC with concerns that there are not enough physician providers for the new Medicaid reforms. They are also concerned that the current restrictions on physician supervision and mileage limits, and requirement that patients sign up with a physician for primary care may hinder their efforts to provide care in the rural parts of north Florida. Specifically they are concentrating on the I-10 corridor.

 They were woefully unaware of the severe ARNP regulatory environment in Florida. So we were happy to bring them up to speed. It has also been stressed to them the fact that the number of NPs in the state is starting to decline, possibly because NPs are leaving the state for better practice environments elsewhere (we are attempting to gather that data).

 The HMO Medicaid group is brainstorming some ideas regarding the situation. We have asked them to put their proposals in writing and would like for this to be placed on the February Coalition agenda for discussion.  It is best if these types of issues are collaborated upon at the Coalition meetings, and a plan for action developed.

 We will forward out all proposals as we receive them