In a bold, bipartisan move to address North Carolina’s growing healthcare challenges, lawmakers have reintroduced legislation that could transform how care is delivered across the state. Senators Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell), Gale Adcock (D-Wake), and Kevin Corbin (R-Macon), along with Representatives Donna White (R-Johnston), Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), Mitchell Setzer (R-Catawba), and Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg), filed Senate Bill 537 / House Bill 514
, a proposal that would grant Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) full practice authority.
This marks the sixth consecutive legislative session in which supporters have fought to modernize APRN regulations, previously known under the popular SAVE Act banner. The goal is to cut outdated red tape and empower APRNs to provide the full scope of care they’re trained and educated to deliver.
Healthcare is one of the most important issues facing our state, and APRN full practice authority represents one of the easiest ways to quickly and efficiently improve access and cost while maintaining the quality of care that patients deserve,” said Tina C. Gordon, CEO of the North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA). “Patients need North Carolina to maximize its APRNs. We’ve been dragging our feet on this for far too long. It’s past time.”
Evidence-Based Policy with Billion-Dollar Potential
Extensive research shows that granting full practice authority to APRNs could save North Carolina more than $650 million annually, with high-end estimates reaching $6 billion. These savings stem not from budget cuts, but from increased access to high-quality, cost-effective care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Studies repeatedly confirm that when scopes of practice overlap, APRNs deliver care that is equal to or better than their physician counterparts.
“I cannot think of many other bills that could save North Carolina this kind of money while actually improving the healthcare system,” said Sen. Hise. “More than 25 other states have already passed APRN full practice authority – and it’s been at least 20 years in some of those states – so I’m tired of hearing all these disingenuous arguments suggesting we need to study the issue a little longer.
The medical lobby’s stalling tactics are only designed to run out the clock every legislative session, at the expense of patients who desperately need better access to quality care.”
Proven in Crisis, Supported Across the Spectrum
North Carolina already has a successful track record with APRN autonomy; during the COVID-19 pandemic and after Tropical Storm Helene, emergency waivers allowed APRNs to practice with fewer restrictions. According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing, there was no increase in complaints during these periods—two real-world pilots of full practice authority.
Even outside of crisis conditions, momentum is growing. In 2023, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) were granted permanent relief from certain supervision requirements under Senate Bill 206, a milestone that hints at growing legislative momentum.
Full practice authority has also gained broad bipartisan support over the years. Hundreds of co-sponsors have backed previous versions of the bill alongside an eclectic coalition that includes patient advocacy groups, conservative think tanks, progressive justice organizations, insurance companies, and hospital systems. Notably, the only group consistently opposing the change is the physicians’ lobby.
A Call to Action for Lawmakers
With strained healthcare access statewide—especially in rural areas—and patients facing rising costs and long wait times, NCNA urges legislators to join this effort to modernize care.
“We know APRNs are a vital part of the solution,” said Gordon. “It’s time to put patients first and give North Carolina’s nurses the tools they need to deliver the care our communities deserve.”
As Senate Bill 537 and House Bill 514 move forward, healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and citizens alike will be watching closely. With billions in potential savings and a proven model ready for implementation, this could be the year North Carolina finally aligns its laws with modern healthcare realities.
The post NC Legislators Push for APRN Full Practice Authority to Cut Costs and Improve Access first appeared on Daily Nurse.