This bill seeks to enhance the prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Oklahoma by allowing qualified APRNs to prescribe medications independently without the need for physician supervision. To qualify for this independent authority, APRNs must have a minimum of three years of supervised practice with prescriptive authority and must apply to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for approval, which can be renewed alongside their nursing license. The legislation also establishes a fee structure for application reviews, mandates malpractice insurance with specified minimum coverage, and outlines the process for application approval or denial, as well as potential revocation of prescriptive authority.

In addition to expanding prescriptive authority, the bill amends existing laws to clarify definitions related to nursing practice, such as "supervising physician" and "advanced practice registered nurse," while removing outdated references. It introduces a Formulary Advisory Council to develop guidelines for prescribing practices and ensures that APRNs operate within legal boundaries while enhancing their capabilities in patient care. The bill also specifies the licensing requirements for APRNs, including the recognition of prescriptive authority for those licensed in other states, and distinguishes between APRNs with and without independent prescriptive authority. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-353.1, 59-567.5a