Subcommittee advances bill allowing psychiatric APRNs to practice autonomously amid sharp safety/access debate

The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee reported HB 301 favorably after extensive testimony on workforce shortages and safety concerns. Representative Shoaff, sponsor of the measure, said the bill simply ‘‘removes unnecessary barriers to accessing mental health care while maintaining an appropriate oversight’’ and does not expand prescribing authority or scope.

Proponents described long waits and sparse psychiatrist coverage in many counties. Elizabeth Winings, a dual‑certified psychiatric mental‑health nurse practitioner, said Florida added only 37 psychiatrists between 2014 and 2024 but added more than 3,000 psychiatric nurse practitioners; she argued that allowing autonomous practice would increase access, particularly in rural areas where residents sometimes drive more than an hour to see a psychiatrist.

Opponents including members of physician groups questioned training differences and urged continued physician oversight. Lindsey Creech, speaking for the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, said a psychiatrist ‘‘completes at least 15,000 hours of supervised clinical training’’ and warned that clinically complex patients could be misdiagnosed without physician oversight. Ankush Bansal of the American College of Physicians reiterated differences in years and hours of training for physicians versus nurse practitioners.

Carolee McClain of NAMI Florida urged the committee to vote in favor, citing delays in care and the risk of crisis when psychiatric evaluation is not timely. After debate and sponsor closing remarks emphasizing current safeguards and access gains, the clerk called the roll and the chair showed the bill reported favorably; the roll call on the record announced 14 yeas and the bill was shown reported favorably.