IPSIS Opposes Florida Bill Authorizing PAs and APRNs To Perform Spine Interventions

A bill (HB 607) is now being considered by the Florida House Health Care Appropriations Committee that authorizes Physician Assistants (PAs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to perform interventional pain procedures and medically manage pain without physician supervision, putting patients at risk of avoidable complications and poor outcomes. The International Pain and Spine Intervention Society submitted comments on February 14, 2020, highlighting prerequisite training requirements critical to the safe performance of interventional spine procedures.

The bill is moving quickly through the legislature. If you live in Florida, contact your state representatives and MaryLynn Magar, Chair of the Health Care Appropriations Committee, today to voice your opposition to HB 607.

Key Points:

• PAs and APRNs are valuable members of the healthcare team; however, their training does not provide the expertise required to perform interventional spine procedures and medically manage pain without supervision.
  
  
• Physicians in key specialties receive extensive training to prevent, immediately recognize, and appropriately handle serious complications that can occur with these procedures.
  
  
• Ensuring that individuals who perform these procedures have obtained requisite training protects patients from avoidable complications and poor outcomes.
  

Not in Florida, but aware of similar efforts in your state? Contact IPSIS at advocacy@IPSISmed.org for assistance.