The bill aims to clarify the prescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Arkansas, specifically regarding the prescription of stimulants. It amends Arkansas Code 17-87-310(b)(2)(B)(ii) to include provisions that allow APRNs to substitute a therapeutically equivalent medication for a stimulant originally prescribed by a physician. The criteria for prescribing stimulants remain intact, requiring that the original prescription was initiated by a physician, the physician evaluated the patient within the last six months, and the APRN's prescription is for the same condition.

The new legal language inserted into the bill explicitly states that an advanced practice registered nurse may substitute a therapeutically equivalent medication for the drug prescribed by the physician. This change is intended to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of APRNs in managing patient care while ensuring that the foundational requirements for stimulant prescriptions are maintained.

Statutes affected:
HB 1963: 17-87-310(b)