North Summit News

The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 196 today, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson). The bill grants advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) additional authority to sign or complete forms related to patient care within their scope of practice.

"This legislation will create efficiency for both healthcare professionals and patients. It is crucial, that in a time where it is hard to fill the workforce need in healthcare, we are alleviating burdens for those working in the industry," said Roegner. "I would like to thank Summer Davis, a constituent of mine, who brought forward this idea for legislation."

Current law requires two healthcare providers to sign patient forms. Senate Bill 196 updates this requirement by creating a "global signature authority" to optimize the healthcare workforce by eliminating the need for multiple providers to sign one patient's care forms.

Kelsey Bergfeld from AARP Ohio expressed support during committee testimony: "Increasing reliable access to quality health care is a top priority for AARP members in Ohio. We believe patients should be able to receive health care from qualified health care professionals of their choice, including nurse practitioners – APRNs who typically practice primary care and are more likely to practice in rural areas than other clinicians – when and where they need it."

The legislation also promotes transparency and accountability by documenting the patient-provider relationship and saves time for patients by addressing care delivery and form completion in the same visit.

Summer Davis, APRN-CNP and Co-Director of Government Relations for the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses, remarked: “The Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses appreciates Senator Roegner for her leadership on SB 196. We thank the legislators for moving this bill forward to improve healthcare, access, and efficiency for Ohioans. This piece of legislation will allow our highly skilled advanced practice registered nurses to provide timely, comprehensive care, benefiting patients across the state.”

This bill removes barriers for patients accessing care and updates the Ohio Revised Code to reflect that APRNs are trained to independently manage acute and chronic healthcare needs.

Hannah Kubbins from Americans for Prosperity Ohio also testified in support: "We should always be searching for ways to provide quality, efficient, personalized, transparent, and cost-effective healthcare. SB 196 is a step in the right direction toward the goal of a healthcare system that is easy to navigate, affordable, and patient-focused. AFP-OH thanks Senator Roegner for championing this issue."

Senate Bill 196 now heads to the Ohio House for consideration.