BREAKING NEWS: HB543 SIGNED INTO LAW

How does this work in our favor. My protocol doctor would not sign the protocol stating that I can now prescribe controlled medication with my DEA
#. She did not like the wording that said "supervising physician". She believes that if ARNPs are allowed to prescribe scheduled medications then they should be more autonomous and not be "supervised". She thinks the protocol should read "to be in consultation with" Even though I have my DEA she continues to sign my prescriptions for controlled medications.

I appreciate all the efforts that have gone into trying to promote the autonomy of ARNP's. What will really make the difference is being able to function independently without the supervision of a physician.

This is a another step towards independent practice. I applaud your supervising physician for her forward thinking. We will continue to push for independent practice but with the current climate of the Florida House and Senate we still are facing significant challenges. If all physicians felt the same way as Kathleen's does, we would be able to achieve our goal. Unfortunately, the FMA is very strong in Florida and is against independent practice.
Keep your eye out for calls for emails etc. during the next session, these really help!

Although not actively practicing I have been an NP since 1976. I would like to recommend that the verbage of the NIH - be allowed to practice to the full extent of their education, etc - be used & NOT 'independent practice" which drives many a physician to grab their pocket & think "turf & territory".
Quoting a higher authority than the FMA might make a diplomatic & measurable difference.

This is awesome now if we can get back full reimbursement since most of us are doing exactly what a MD or DO do and spend more time with our patients. That would be amazing!

Good work from nursing leadership, but not yet strong enough. What other profession do you have to pay someone to have a job for the rest of your life?

As a current DNP student and an ARNP for 20 yrs, I will continue to be proactive in advocating for our
Profession. Dr HAURI, you were my mentor then. Great picture and hope you are doing well! The FMA has way too much influence, once finished with this endeavor, I plan on becoming more politically involved. Thank you fellow colleagues for all you have done.

I must admit after moving here from Nebraska where we had collaborative agreements and having a DEA license there for years I was in somewhat of a culture shock on the limits here in Florida.

Here is an example of what I put in my protocol which was the recommendation of the DEA. I took that in showed him the example they were recommending and had no issue with him signing it.

a. Celeste Montoya, ARNP FNP-BC may prescribe, initiate, monitor, alter or order medications, “The ARNP is authorized to prescribed controlled substances in accordance with Florida Statute 464.012” as defined in Section 893.03, Florida Statutes, in accordance with her education, state statutes, and under the general supervision of the supervising physician.

I find the same issue as Kathleen in having my collaborating MD sign my protocol due to DEA changes despite my explanations. Do you have any recommendations for MDs that are willing to sign a protocol?

Janet,
Thanks to you and many of our colleagues we continue to progress. It seems like a snails pace but evidenced based change takes time in this state.