Talking point for your emails and phone calls regarding HB 495

Improve Access to Care in Louisiana

Support HB 495 by Rep. Ivey

HB 495 will modernize healthcare in Louisiana and codify the Governor’s executive order which has been in place for over 1 year. These measures will improve access to health care by enabling health care professionals to work together to deliver much needed services to the most vulnerable populations in the state without barriers to care.

HB 495 would grant Nurse Practitioners (NPs), full practice authority in the state of Louisiana. This bill would allow nurse practitioners to provide services without the costly and unnecessary paperwork of the collaborative practice agreement NPs are currently required to have with physicians. Nurse Practitioners are trained to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, initiate and manage treatments—including prescribe medications—under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing. 

Currently, state statute requires Louisiana nurse practitioners to contract with a physician for licensure. There is no supervision requirement other than the physician be available by phone. Currently, almost half of the states and the District of Columbia have voted in favor of allowing NPs to practice to the fullest extent of their education by removing collaborative practice agreement requirements.

The bill, seeks to:

• Provide for greater access to essential health care services in all areas of the state.
• Improve the primary care provider workforce shortage by eliminating unnecessary red tape for nurse practitioners.
• Remove delays in care created by dated regulations, so patients can receive timely needed care.

By the way.... We only have 1 entry for the raffle that ends on Wednesday!!!! Get on it GNO!!!