The bill seeks to repeal several sections of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and introduces new provisions that expand the prescriptive authority of various healthcare professionals, including physicians, podiatrists, dentists, registered optometrists, assistant physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Under the new regulations, these professionals can prescribe controlled substances within their professional scope, with APRNs specifically allowed to prescribe certain controlled substances, including Schedule II medications for hospice patients and those under the care of designated mental health providers. The bill also establishes requirements for collaborative practice arrangements between physicians and registered professional nurses, emphasizing the need for written documentation and oversight. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the provision of anesthesia services by certified registered nurse anesthetists, allowing them to operate without a collaborative practice arrangement under certain supervision conditions. It sets limits on the number of APRNs or physician assistants a collaborating physician can work with and clarifies that no healthcare professional can be forced into a collaborative arrangement against their will. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of collaborating physicians, including documentation of practice periods with APRNs and physician assistants, and introduces educational requirements for physician assistants seeking prescriptive authority. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the collaborative practice framework while ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5967H.01): 195.070, 334.104, 334.735, 334.747