IL APNs.....

Nurses Gain New Practice Options

Governor Quinn Signs Law expanding APN Scope of Practice

CHICAGO - In an ongoing effort to ensure that Illinois residents have access to the health care

they need, Governor Pat Quinn signed HB 1052, a measure to clarify and expand the role of

advance practice nurses (APNs) in Illinois. Under the new law, these health care professionals

will have more options to practice primary health care, and treat patients. The law prohibits

certain limitations on what a written collaborative agreement between a physician and an APN

can include.

"This law reflects the growing respect of APNs among the health care community and the public

they serve," said Manuel Flores, Acting Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Removing artificial barriers will ensure these professionals can provide vital care including

treating minor illnesses, prescribing and dispensing necessary medicines, and conducting

wellness exams."

The Act changes the statutory relationship between physicians and APNs with whom they have

collaborative agreements by prohibiting those agreements from restricting 1) the categories of

patients an APN may treat; 2) the third party payers or government health programs payment to

an APN or PA and 3) the geographical area of practice within Illinois.

The new law, sponsored by State Representative John E. Bradley (D-Marion) and State Senator

Heather Steans (D-Chicago), takes effect on January 1, 2014.

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