February 2026 Newsletter

Dear NP Council of Miami Dade (NPCMD) Members & Florida NPs,

Did you know that independent (autonomous) practice registration for APRNs is 

free?

Yes—there is no application fee for registering as an Autonomous Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Florida! If you meet the eligibility requirements (e.g., 3,000 supervised clinical hours in the past 5 years, graduate-level coursework and/or CEs in differential diagnosis and pharmacology, no recent disciplinary actions), apply today!!

Download the official paper application or access it via the MQA Online Services Portal:

• Direct PDF application: https://floridasnursing.gov/applications/autonomous-aprn-registration.pdf
• Full details and requirements: https://floridasnursing.gov/advanced-practice-registered-nurse (see Autonomous APRN section)
• Online portal for managing your license: https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal/

We encourage eligible members to pursue this (including Acute Care NPs even you are required a collaborative MD and protocol) —it's a key step toward full practice authority and opening or expanding your practice!

Welcome Back: Invitation to Expired Members – Rejoin NPCMD Today!

If your NPCMD membership has lapsed or expired, now is the perfect time to renew and reconnect! Your continued participation strengthens our local voice for Nurse Practitioners in Miami Dade County, supports advocacy for full practice authority, and keeps you connected to valuable resources, networking, and events.

As a renewed member, you'll regain immediate access to:

• Exclusive NP news, announcements, and updates on our website
• Preferred seating and priority registration for all NPCMD -sponsored events and meetings
• Our Career Center, Preceptor Directory, and Education Center
• Direct networking with fellow South Florida -area NPs
• Opportunities to join committees, attend monthly meetings, and contribute to legislative efforts

Renewing is simple and helps us build an even stronger community. Log in to your ENP Network account or create one to renew/join:

• Join or Renew: https://npmiami.enpnetwork.com/membership
• Already have an account? Log in here: https://npmiami.enpnetwork.com

We miss your presence and expertise—come back and help us advance our profession together! If you have questions about renewal or membership tiers, reply to this newsletter or contact us directly.

Welcome to 2026! We hope you had a restorative start to the year and are ready for an exciting season of advocacy, education, and connection.

Florida Legislative & State Updates

The 2026 Florida Legislative Session (Jan 13 – Mar 13) is underway. Key bills to watch:

• SB 138 – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Autonomous Practice
• Ongoing efforts to expand full practice authority and remove barriers for NPs
  

  

  
  

Florida Board of Nursing Full Board Meeting: February 4, 2026 at World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort.

FNA Advocacy Days: February 4–5, 2026 – strong opportunity to meet legislators and advocate for our profession.

Upcoming CE Conferences

1. Las Vegas 2026 AANP National Conference June 23–27, 2026 | The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas, NV

• Largest national NP conference with 330+ sessions
• Up to 32 contact hours available
• In-person + on-demand access

1. Orlando NPAC 2026 – National Conference for Nurse Practitioners in Acute CareMarch 4–8, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Orlando
2. Join us for the 2nd Annual Nurse Practitioner Council of Miami Dade Conference as we come together to learn, connect, and lead the future of healthcare. 

Saturday, 5/30/2026

Location: Jackson Memorial Hospital - Diagnostic Treatment Center 

Theme: Nurse Practitioners: Leading Change in a Dynamic Healthcare Future

CEs available , Inspiring speakers, Powerful networking!

Registration link and more details coming soon!

FNPN Annual Conference 2026 August 6–8, 2026 | Signia by Hilton Orlando (Disney World area) “Shaping the Future: A Whole New World of Care” with 23 CEs, register here: https://fnpn.enpnetwork.com/nurse-practitioner-events/146218-2026-fnpn-annual-conference-shaping-the-future-a-whole-new-world-of-care#!info

Education Corner: Recent DEA & FDA Medication Alerts

DEA Update (Dec 31, 2025): Telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing Schedule II–V controlled substances (including buprenorphine for OUD) extended through December 31, 2026. Audio-video and audio-only options remain available under current rules.

Key FDA Warnings (2025):

• Opioid pain medications: Updated labeling on risks of long-term use, dependence, and withdrawal.
• ADHD stimulants (extended-release): New warning on serious weight loss risk in children younger than 6 years.
• Transderm Scōp (scopolamine patch): Added warning for serious heat-related complications (hyperthermia, heat stroke) in hot environments.
• Leqembi (lecanemab) for Alzheimer’s: Recommendation for earlier, more frequent MRI monitoring due to ARIA risk.

Stay vigilant—review full alerts on FDA.gov and DEA.gov.

Member Poll – Get Involved!

We want to hear from you! Please respond to this quick poll (link or reply):

1. Would you like to get involved in the NP Association Christmas/Holiday Committees? □ Yes □ No □ Maybe
2. Would you like to get involved in the Legislation/Advocacy Committees? □ Yes □ No □ Maybe
3. Please email your reply to npcouncilmiamidade@gmail.com

Your participation helps us build stronger events and stronger advocacy!

Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing NP practice in Florida and Miami Dade County. We look forward to seeing you at our next monthly meeting 

Warm regards,

Natalie Merino

Social Media assistant, NP Council of Miami Dade

The Nurse Practitioner Council of Miami Dade 

https://npmiami.enpnetwork.com

Email: npcouncilmiamidade@gmail.com 

Instagram: @npcouncilmiamidade