The Maryland General Assembly's Finance Committee convened on February 13, 2024, to discuss critical issues surrounding the certification process for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the state. A significant focus of the meeting was the requirement for new graduate APRNs to name a mentor upon their initial application for certification. This mentor must be a licensed physician or nurse practitioner in Maryland with at least three years of experience and must be available to the new APRN for a period of 18 months.

During the session, it was clarified that while the mentorship requirement is in place, there are no specific hour requirements for practice during this mentorship period. However, under the proposed compact, new APRNs would need to complete 20 to 80 hours of work experience before they could apply for a multi-state APRN license, should the compact become active. This means that while they can perform APRN duties in Maryland, they would not be eligible for multi-state practice until they meet these additional requirements.

The committee also heard from various representatives of nursing organizations, including members of the Nurse Practitioners Association of Maryland and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. The discussions highlighted the importance of mentorship in ensuring that new APRNs are adequately prepared for their roles in healthcare.

As the meeting progressed, committee members expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the nursing professionals present. They acknowledged the complexities involved in the certification process and the need for thorough examination of the proposed regulations.

The Finance Committee's discussions will likely influence future legislative actions regarding APRN certification in Maryland, as they seek to balance the need for qualified healthcare providers with the practicalities of training and mentorship in the field. Further developments are expected as the committee continues to review the implications of these requirements on healthcare delivery in the state.