SB449 Signed Into Law Redefines Role of APRNs
Capitol News Beat Service
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.
SB 449 also updates the definition of APRNs to specify the roles of a certified nurse midwife, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist.
Additionally, 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.
Finally, the bill mandates the Department of Community Health, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Services, 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.
The certification process will also waive certain additional requirements, which will streamline the transition for skilled individuals into critical healthcare roles.
Powell said this measure represents a pivotal step forward in bolstering Georgia’s healthcare system.