House Bill No. 2298, introduced by Representative Hilbert, seeks to enhance the prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Oklahoma, specifically targeting Certified Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Nurse-Midwives. The bill allows these professionals to apply for independent prescriptive authority after completing three years of supervised practice, establishing criteria for approval and revocation of this authority. It also mandates that APRNs maintain malpractice insurance and directs the Oklahoma Board of Nursing to create rules for advertising health care services. Key amendments to the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act and the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act clarify the roles and responsibilities of APRNs and supervising physicians, while emphasizing compliance with state laws.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding prescriptive authority, including the establishment of a Formulary Advisory Council to recommend an exclusionary formulary of drugs that APRNs cannot prescribe. It removes the requirement for APRNs to operate under the medical direction of a supervising physician, thereby granting them greater autonomy. The bill outlines the necessary documentation for prescriptive authority, including continuing education in pharmacology, and specifies the licensing requirements for APRNs, which include a completed application and a criminal history check. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, aiming to empower APRNs while ensuring patient safety and adherence to regulatory standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-353.1
House Committee Substitute: 59-353.1, 59-567.5a
Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill: 59-353.1, 59-567.5a
Floor (House): 59-353.1, 59-567.5a
Floor (Senate): 59-353.1, 59-567.5a
Engrossed: 59-353.1, 59-567.5a
Amended And Engrossed: 59-353.1, 59-567.5a
Enrolled (final version): 59-353.1, 59-567.5a
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 59-353.1, 59-567.5a