Legislation Redefining Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Supporting Military Medical Personnel Signed into Law

ATLANTA - State Representative Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, recently joined Governor Brian Kemp as he signed Senate Bill 449 into law. Carried in the House by State Representative Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, this legislation will redefine the role of Georgia's "advanced practice registered nurses" (APRNs) and support the state's military medical personnel by establishing a specialized program that will expand certification opportunities. Chairman Powell originally sponsored House Bill 215, which redefined APRNs as individuals licensed by the Georgia Board of Nursing, including certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists and clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric/mental health, and that legislation was incorporated into SB 449.

"This measure represents a pivotal step forward in bolstering Georgia's healthcare system," said Chairman Powell. "By expanding the definition of APRNs and implementing much-needed licensure requirements, we can ensure that our healthcare professionals uphold the highest standards of care. This bill not only supports our military medical personnel but also enhances the overall quality and accountability within our healthcare landscape. After many years of hard work, I am thrilled to see this legislation be signed into law. I am proud of the tireless efforts made by my legislative colleagues to advance this bill to the governor's desk as it represents a testament to our commitment for adequate accessibility to the highest level of quality healthcare for all Georgians."

"I want to thank Chairman Powell for his partnership in championing this transformative piece of legislation that not only recognizes the diverse roles of advanced practice registered nurses but also sets clear standards for their licensure and practice," said Chairman Blackmon. "By ensuring that APRNs engage in advanced nursing within specified roles and implementing renewal requirements, this measure upholds the highest standards of patient care and safety. Additionally, the bill's inclusion of military medical personnel in the healthcare workforce underscores our commitment to leveraging their valuable skills and experience for the benefit of our communities. I was proud to carry this legislation in the House and want to extend my gratitude to Governor Kemp for enacting this much needed legislation into law."

SB 449 brings updates to the healthcare landscape by amending the definition of APRNs to specify roles such as certified nurse midwife, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist. Starting September 1, 2025, the bill revises the requirements for APRN licensure, requiring renewal every two years and establishing penalties for practicing without a valid license. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Community Health, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Services, to establish a specialized program that will enable military medical personnel with recent experience in the United States Army, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard within the past 24 months to obtain certification as nurse aides, paramedics, cardiac technicians, emergency medical technicians or licensed practical nurses. Notably, this certification process will waive certain additional requirements, which will streamline the transition for skilled individuals into critical healthcare roles.

Representative Alan Powell represents the citizens of District 33, which includes Franklin and Hart counties and portions of Madison County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1990 and currently serves as Chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and the Governmental Affairs, Interstate Cooperation, Motor Vehicles, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Rules, Small Business Development and Technology and Infrastructure committees.

Representative Shaw Blackmon represents the citizens of District 146, which includes portions of Houston County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. He also serves on the Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Rules, Small Business Development, Special Rules and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees and is an Ex-Officio member of the Appropriations Committee.

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