VT S0163

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may serve as the attending health care professional responsible for coordinating a hospital patient's care, a role previously limited to physicians

APRNs gain authority to provide patients with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis information; obtain informed consent for procedures; and inform patients of post-discharge care requirements

Hospital licensure requirements amended to allow all admitted patients to be under the care of either a physician or an APRN licensed under 26 V.S.A. chapter 28, subchapter 2

Professional case records may be signed by either the attending physician or APRN, with records required to be kept on file for a minimum of 10 years

Failure to comply with patient rights provisions may result in disciplinary action through either the Board of Medical Practice (for physicians) or the Office of Professional Regulation (for APRNs)