The bill aims to clarify the prescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) regarding stimulant medications. It amends Arkansas Code 17-87-310(b)(2)(B)(ii) to allow APRNs to substitute a therapeutically equivalent medication for a stimulant originally prescribed by a physician, provided that certain criteria are met. 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 prescribed the original stimulant. This change is intended to enhance the flexibility of APRNs in managing patient care while ensuring communication with the prescribing physician.

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