This bill amends Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 87, Subchapter 1, to authorize advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to delegate certain nursing tasks to qualified and trained healthcare workers who are not licensed. The newly inserted section, 17-87-107, outlines specific tasks that can be delegated, including the administration of medications and immunizations that do not require specialized judgment, as well as phlebotomy activities. The bill emphasizes that while APRNs can delegate these tasks, they remain responsible for the actions of the healthcare workers performing them, who must not represent themselves as licensed professionals and must work under the supervision of the APRN.

Additionally, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing is tasked with adopting rules regarding the delegation of these nursing tasks, which will include guidelines on the clinical setting for task delegation, evaluation of patient conditions, and training requirements for those performing the delegated tasks. The bill also clarifies that individuals to whom tasks are delegated cannot further delegate those tasks to others, and it specifies that certified registered nurse anesthetists are not permitted to delegate the administration of anesthesia. Importantly, the bill does not preempt or repeal any existing state laws that authorize individuals to perform specific tasks.