The bill amends the requirements for certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists to obtain a certificate of full independent practice authority in Arkansas. Specifically, it reduces the required hours of practice from 6,240 to 2,000 hours. Additionally, it modifies the conditions under which these practitioners can demonstrate their experience by allowing practice under a collaborative agreement with a physician instead of a board-required agreement.

These changes aim to increase access to healthcare by streamlining the certification process for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, thereby enabling them to practice independently with prescriptive authority more efficiently. The bill also maintains the requirement for applicants to submit an application, pay an appropriate fee, and provide proof of licensure in good standing from their respective states or countries, along with any other relevant information as determined by the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee.

Statutes affected:
HB 1244: 17-87-314(b)