Committee recommends HF 17‑94 to General Register after debate on APRN transition‑to‑practice repeal

Representative introduced House File 17‑94 to repeal the statutory transition‑to‑practice requirement for APRNs, arguing the change would reduce barriers, retain graduates and expand care in underserved areas. Multiple APRN providers and educators testified in favor; Dr. Gretchen Morton described running a nonprofit clinic that closed in 2025 and said being able to hire APRN graduates without the transition requirement would have helped sustainability. Dr. Naomi Cahn Egnor described operating clinics in underserved counties and said the statutory supervision expense limits expansion.

Opponents, including the Minnesota Medical Association, said the supervised transition year ensures structured mentorship and patient safety, noting APRNs typically complete a substantial period of supervised practice and that the year helps identify unusual or serious conditions. Committee members debated workforce access versus the safeguards of supervised practice. After discussion, the committee moved HF 17‑94 as amended to the General Register by voice vote.