This bill amends existing Florida statutes regarding the prescribing authority of physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). It removes the requirement for supervising physicians to notify the Department of Health in writing when delegating prescribing authority to physician assistants and eliminates the need for the supervising physician's name to be included on prescriptions issued by physician assistants. The bill also revises the drug formulary for physician assistants, allowing them to prescribe certain medications under specified conditions, and establishes new limits on the prescription of Schedule II controlled substances. Additionally, it authorizes physician assistants and APRNs to provide medical services without physician supervision during declared states of emergency in affected counties, provided they comply with existing laws and regulations.

Furthermore, the bill updates the requirements for the drug formulary applicable to APRNs, allowing them to prescribe medications under similar conditions as physician assistants. It specifies that the formulary must restrict the prescribing of psychiatric mental health controlled substances for children under 18 to a 30-day supply and limits Schedule II controlled substances to a 7-day supply, with exceptions for psychiatric medications prescribed by qualified nurses. The bill aims to enhance the ability of physician assistants and APRNs to respond effectively during emergencies while ensuring patient safety through regulated prescribing practices. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 374 Filed: 459.022