Pennsylvania State Policy Fact Sheet
Nurse Practice Act: 63 P.S. § 211
Regulatory Structure: Reduced Practice
State law constrains patient access to nurse practitioner (NP) care. NPs are required by law to maintain a regulated collaborative agreement with a physician for at least one element of NP practice.
63 P.S. § 212
Regulatory Agency
NP practice is regulated by the Board of Nursing (BON).
63 P.S. § 212.1
Licensure Requirements
Requirements include an RN license, a graduate degree in an NP role and national certification.
63 P.S. § 218.1
Continuing Education (CE)*
Thirty CE hours are required every two years. See the BON for details.
63 P.S. § 218.1
Malpractice Insurance
Malpractice insurance is required for Pennsylvania NPs.
63 P.S. § 218.7
Medical Staff Membership**
NPs are not permitted to join medical staffs.
28 PA ADC § 107.2
Primary Care Providers
NPs are defined in law as Primary Care Providers.
28 PA ADC § 9.678
Signature Recognition on Items of Patient Care
- Physical Therapy: NPs are authorized to refer to physical therapy.
63 P.S. § 218.2 - Parking Permits: NPs are authorized to provide proof of disability for disabled parking permits.
75 Pa.C.S.A. § 1338 - DNR: NPs are not currently authorized to sign Do Not Resuscitate orders.
20 Pa.C.S.A. § 5483 - Death Certificates: NPs are authorized to sign death certificates.
35 P.S. § 450.502 - Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Pennsylvania's POLST form may be signed by an NP.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
*Contact hours in specific topics may be required. Please contact your state Board of Nursing for current information.
**Medical Staff Membership refers to governing and voting privileges and is not reflective of clinical or admitting privileges within institutions.
DISCLAIMER: The material contained in this fact sheet is offered as information only and not as practice, financial, accounting, legal or other professional advice. Correspondents must contact their own professional advisors for such advice.
Updated November 25, 2019