The bill aims to enhance access to healthcare services provided by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) by amending their prescriptive authority. It allows the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to grant a certificate of prescriptive authority to APRNs who complete an approved advanced pharmacology course and either hold a certificate of full independent practice authority or have a collaborative practice agreement with specific healthcare professionals. The bill replaces the requirement for a collaborative practice agreement with a "practicing physician" or "podiatrist" with a broader definition that includes any healthcare professional with relevant training, thereby expanding the scope of collaboration.

Additionally, the bill modifies the prescriptive authority of APRNs, allowing them to prescribe drugs, medicines, or therapeutic devices within their area of practice as per the rules established by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. It clarifies that APRNs can prescribe drugs listed in Schedules III to V and introduces new regulations for prescribing Schedule II drugs, particularly stimulants, ensuring that the Arkansas State Board of Nursing adopts rules for safe prescribing practices. The bill also mandates that the Arkansas State Medical Board review these rules to ensure consistency with existing regulations on dangerous drugs and controlled substances.

Statutes affected:
HB 1132: 17-87-310(a)