The bill amends Arkansas Code 17-87-310(b)(2)(B)(ii) to clarify the prescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) regarding stimulant medications. It allows APRNs to substitute a therapeutically equivalent medication for a stimulant originally prescribed by a physician, provided that the prescription meets specific criteria. These criteria include 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 as the original.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if an APRN decides to substitute a therapeutically equivalent medication, they must notify the physician who originally prescribed the stimulant. This change aims to enhance the flexibility of APRNs in managing patient care while ensuring communication with the prescribing physician.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1963 V2 - 4-9-2025 06:22 PM: 17-87-310(b)
Old version HB1963 Original - 4-1-2025 03:27 PM: 17-87-310(b)
HB 1963: 17-87-310(b)
Act 963: 17-87-310(b)