The bill modifies the signature authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) in Arkansas, allowing them to fulfill certain legal requirements that previously mandated a physician's signature. Specifically, the bill amends Arkansas Code 17-80-120(a) to include a list of circumstances under which APRNs and PAs can provide signatures, certifications, or endorsements. This includes authorizations for durable medical equipment, which now explicitly encompasses diabetic shoes and shoe inserts designed to mitigate the risk of skin breakdown in diabetic patients and to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that durable medical equipment includes not only orthotics and prosthetics but also these specific diabetic-related items. This change aims to enhance the role of APRNs and PAs in patient care by expanding their authority to sign necessary documents, thereby streamlining processes related to medical equipment and patient health management.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1167 V2 - 3-18-2025 02:04 PM: 17-80-120(a)
Old version HB1167 Original - 1-16-2025 02:47 PM: 17-80-120(a)
HB 1167: 17-80-120(a)
Act 431: 17-80-120(a)