This bill seeks to enhance the practice of nursing in Oklahoma by granting independent prescriptive authority to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who meet specific criteria, including a minimum of three years of supervised practice. It outlines the application process for obtaining this authority, which remains valid until the APRN's license expires. The legislation also requires APRNs to maintain malpractice insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility. Additionally, it amends existing laws to update definitions in the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act and the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act, clarifying the Oklahoma Board of Nursing's role in granting prescriptive authority and establishing rules for advertising healthcare services by APRNs.

Key amendments include the removal of the requirement for a supervising physician's medical direction for certain practices, allowing APRNs greater autonomy in prescribing medications. The bill introduces new definitions, such as distinguishing between "Certified Nurse-Midwife" and "Nurse-Midwife," and establishes a Formulary Advisory Council to recommend an exclusionary formulary of drugs that APRNs cannot prescribe. It also specifies educational prerequisites for obtaining and renewing prescriptive authority, including training in pharmacotherapeutics and continuing education in pain management or opioid use. The bill aims to improve healthcare delivery by enabling qualified APRNs to prescribe medications while ensuring appropriate oversight and collaboration with physicians, with an effective date set for November 1, 2025.

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