FLORIDA NEW "APRN" TITLE CHANGE COMING SOON - EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2018
Posted
over 5 years ago
by
Jean Aertker
FLORIDA NP TITLE CHANGE TO "APRN" NEARS - ARE YOU READY?
HB 1337-APRN title change, will go into effect on October 1, 2018. All should have received a BON announcement post card in the mail by now! At this time, you should be preparing for the change by updating anything that has the current ARNP title. This would include items such as lab coats, office signage, prescription pads, business letterhead, business cards, EMR system, DEA certification, any office forms, website, etc. This is a cost many did not consider! You may also want to inform the pharmaceutical reps of the change their companies need to make to your signature page. FNPN encourages you to make the changes as soon as possible, notifying the office manager or human resource officer who will assist in making the updates. FNPN expressed concern to BON and asked for consideration to make the necessary sign and title changes, but we advise you to make the changes now! Do notfiy the staff in charge of such changes at your workplace in writing of this mandatory change (keep a copy just in case!). Yes, it will be hard to get used to the new letters, but please do not procrastinate!
Please read HB 1337 and familiarize yourself with the new law language. You are required by statute to use the APRN title as this is how you are "licensed" in the State of Florida. This is a major change. Previously we were certified by the BON as an "ARNP" but only had one license as a RN!! Now you will have the option of taking one or both licenses at your next BON license renewal period.
Note - You are not licensed as an FNP, PMHNP, CNM, CNS, CRNA, etc. That is your title of your national certification. Your legal credential needs to include APRN, for example your signature may be something such as Sarah Jones, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC or Sarah Jones, MSN, APRN, CNM, etc. There could be a potential violation if you "fail to identify through written notice, which may include the wearing of a name tag, or orally to a patient the type of license under which the practitioner is practicing. Any advertisement for health care services naming the practitioner must identify the type of license the practitioner holds."
Do take the opportunity to educate your patients about the title change and the goal to have the USA use the single licensure title "APRN" for all advanced practice registered nurses no matter what role they serve! If any questions, please contact us or leave a comment below!
