SB79

Senate Bill 79 amends Arkansas law to grant Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) full independent practice authority, allowing them to practice and prescribe medicine without a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. The bill updates the existing credentialing framework, which previously applied primarily to certified nurse practitioners, to include clinical nurse specialists. It establishes criteria for obtaining this authority, including the completion of 6,240 hours of practice. Crucially, the legislation allows practitioners to count clinical experience gained in other states, territories, or foreign countries toward this requirement, provided they hold a license in good standing. The bill also outlines the role of the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee in reviewing applications, handling complaints, and overseeing the suspension or revocation of these certificates. Finally, it mandates that practitioners with this authority must conspicuously display notice of their independent status in their offices.