HB1132
To Increase Access To Healthcare Services Provided By Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; And To Amend The Prescriptive Authority Of An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1132 amends Arkansas law regarding the prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The bill updates the requirements for obtaining a certificate of prescriptive authority, allowing APRNs to collaborate with a broader range of licensed healthcare professionals, including other APRNs with full independent practice authority. It clarifies the scope of drug schedules APRNs may prescribe, including specific provisions for Schedule II opioids and stimulants. The bill mandates that APRNs prescribing stimulants must ensure the prescription was originally initiated by a physician who has evaluated the patient within the last six months. Furthermore, it requires the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to adopt rules for prescribing that are consistent with the Arkansas State Medical Board's regulations. The Arkansas State Medical Board is tasked with reviewing and verifying these rules to ensure consistency regarding the prescription of dangerous drugs and controlled substances.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) benefit from expanded collaborative options and clarified authority. Patients in underserved or rural areas may benefit from increased access to healthcare services and more efficient medication management. Healthcare facilities may also benefit from improved staffing flexibility and care delivery models.
Who Might Suffer?
Some physicians or medical groups may perceive this expansion as a shift in traditional oversight roles or a change to their professional scope of influence. Additionally, organizations concerned with the oversight of controlled substances might express caution regarding the expansion of prescriptive authority, regardless of the safeguards included in the bill.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.