Important Update on applying for AAPRN (Autonomous APRN) status

To clarify, the Board of Nursing's (BON's) understanding of its implementation of the new law is that any APRN (with the exception of CRNAs since the law clearly does not authorize them to practice autonomously) may apply for autonomous practice. The BON will approve APRNs who apply and meet the registration requirements. 

• at least 3,000 clinical practice hours under the supervision of an allopathic or osteopathic physician within the past 5 years. These hours may include clinical instructional hours. [See Section 464.0123(1)(c) F.S. for complete requirements];   
• three graduate-level semester hours, or the equivalent, in differential diagnosis and 3 graduate-level semester hours, or the equivalent (45 cr hrs CE), in pharmacology completed within the past 5 years (documentation required); and   
• not been subject to disciplinary action as specified in Section 456.072 F.S. or Section 464.018 F.S., or any similar disciplinary action in any state or jurisdiction within the past 5 years.                                                                                                 

Furthermore, AAPRNs can only engage in autonomous practice in primary care practice. APRNs will need to determine their level of practice-based upon the law and rules once adopted. The APRN needs to read the law and make a determination for him or herself as to applicability in the autonomous practice setting. If the APRN is not sure then they will need to seek private legal counsel or file a petition for a declaratory statement with the BON. The BON realizes many have questions and those will be addressed as they continue to implement the law. 

When sending in CEU or course documentation for the Pharmacology and Differential Diagnosis requirements, it may help to send in your CE certificate or course name, course description and course objectives for the CE/Course you have taken to help the board staff make the decision on whether the course/CE submitted has met the requirements. This may help prevent denials of your application and resubmission of documents.

Please review the Florida Statute 464.0123 on Autonomous Practice by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse