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SB 758

Autonomous Practice by Certain Psychiatric Nurses

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Corey Simon

Florida bill would allow psychiatric nurse practitioners to practice independently without physician supervision, expanding mental health care access but raising safety and oversight concerns; died in committee.

Died in Health Policy
#regulationofprofessionsandoccupations
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Bill Summary · SB 758

Legislative bill overview

SB 758 would have permitted certain psychiatric nurse practitioners in Florida to practice autonomously without physician supervision, allowing them to independently diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications for psychiatric conditions. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but died in the Health Policy Committee after being indefinitely postponed in May.

Why is this important

This proposal directly impacts patient access to mental health care in Florida, where psychiatrist shortages create significant treatment delays. Autonomous practice authority could expand psychiatric services in underserved areas, though it raises questions about oversight, quality standards, and the scope of independent nurse practitioner practice.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional regulation and patient safety: Opposition likely centered on whether psychiatric nurse practitioners have equivalent training to psychiatrists for independent diagnosis and complex medication management, particularly for medication interactions and comorbidities
  • Organized medicine opposition: Physician groups typically resist autonomous practice expansion, citing supervision as necessary for quality control and liability protection
  • Scope creep concerns: Questions about whether psychiatric conditions should receive different regulatory treatment than other autonomous nurse practitioner roles in Florida

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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