FL S1594

Changes the regulatory framework for advanced nursing practitioners from "certification" to "licensure," redefining them as "advanced practice registered nurses" (APRNs) including certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and psychiatric nurses.

Repeals the separate definition and certification process for clinical nurse specialists, consolidating them under the APRN licensure category with their practice scope defined in statute rather than separate rules.

Establishes a transition process allowing practitioners certified as advanced registered nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists before October 1, 2018, to convert to APRN licensure and continue practicing with full rights through October 1, 2020.

Authorizes the Board of Nursing to create rules for provisional APRN licensure for specified periods and requires master's degree graduation for certain APRN specialties with effective dates ranging from 1998 to 2007.

Makes conforming changes throughout Florida law (approximately 70 statute sections) replacing "advanced registered nurse practitioner" terminology with "advanced practice registered nurse" and "certified" with "licensed."