The bill proposes to repeal and replace section 334.104 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, focusing on the regulations surrounding collaborative practice arrangements between physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The new section allows physicians to enter into written agreements with registered professional nurses, enabling them to delegate authority for administering, dispensing, or prescribing drugs, including controlled substances, under specific conditions. Notably, APRNs are granted the ability to prescribe certain controlled substances for hospice patients and are allowed to prescribe buprenorphine for substance use disorders without a refill for up to thirty days. The bill also outlines the requirements for collaborative practice arrangements, including documentation, geographic proximity, and review processes. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that exempt urgent care settings from certain collaborative practice requirements, allowing APRNs to utilize telehealth consultations with collaborating physicians. It establishes limits on the number of APRNs a physician can collaborate with and emphasizes the need for ongoing supervision and review of the APRN's practice. The bill also ensures that no physician or APRN can be compelled to enter into a collaborative practice arrangement against their will. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the scope of practice for APRNs while maintaining necessary oversight and collaboration with physicians.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6850H.01): 334.104