PA HB1490

Establishes a 6-year pilot program allowing certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) to practice independently without a collaborative physician agreement in federally-designated health professional shortage areas

Requires CRNPs to have at least 3 years and 3,600 hours of collaborative practice experience in primary care within the preceding 5 years, a clean disciplinary record, and current Pennsylvania licensure to qualify

Limits independent practice to primary care specialties (family practice, internal medicine, gynecology, or pediatrics) and requires participants to complete 10 additional hours of continuing education in patient safety and risk management biennially

Creates a 5-member subcommittee including Department of Health staff, 2 nurse practitioners, and 2 physicians to review applications and oversee program administration

Mandates a Joint State Government Commission study after 5 years evaluating patient outcomes, complaints, referral patterns, and emergency room utilization before the program's expiration