HB1167

House Bill 1167 modifies the signature authority for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) in Arkansas. It expands their legal authority to sign various documents, certifications, and authorizations that were previously restricted to physicians. Specifically, the bill permits these professionals to provide signatures for disabled parking permits, sports physicals, bus driver physicals, do-not-resuscitate orders, jury excuses, death certificates, workers' compensation forms, and school or employment absenteeism excuses. Additionally, the legislation explicitly clarifies that 'durable medical equipment' includes orthotics, prosthetics, and diabetic shoes or inserts designed to prevent diabetic foot complications. The bill aims to streamline administrative medical processes by allowing APRNs and PAs to perform these routine tasks without direct physician signature requirements.