This 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 specifies that the collaborative practice agreement can be with a practicing physician, a licensed podiatrist, or another APRN with independent practice authority, thereby broadening 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 introduces new provisions for prescribing stimulant medications listed in Schedule II, requiring the Board to adopt rules for safe prescribing practices. The bill also mandates that the Arkansas State Medical Board review and verify the consistency of the Board of Nursing's proposed rules with existing regulations on dangerous drugs and controlled substances, ensuring a cohesive regulatory framework.

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