The 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. Specifically, the new section 17-87-107 outlines that APRNs can delegate tasks such as the administration of medications and immunizations, as well as phlebotomy activities, provided these tasks do not require specialized judgment. The bill emphasizes that the APRN remains responsible for the actions of the healthcare worker performing the delegated tasks, and that the healthcare worker must not represent themselves as a licensed nurse.

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 tasks. The bill also clarifies that individuals to whom tasks are delegated cannot further delegate those tasks, and it specifies that certified registered nurse anesthetists are not authorized to delegate anesthesia administration. Importantly, the bill does not preempt or repeal any existing state laws that authorize individuals to perform specific tasks.