SB 889 - This act allows registered professional nurses (RPN)who are registered nurse anesthetists to dispense controlled substances to their patients. Current law allows physicians, podiatrists, dentists, optometrists and veterinarians to prescribe, administer, and dispense controlled substances to their patients. They may all allow nurses or graduate physicians under their supervision to do so as well. New language adds RPNs who are recognized as nurse anesthetists to the list. Such persons, however, may only allow nurses under their supervision to administer or dispense controlled substances.

This act also adds a new Section 335.098, which allows RPNs who are recognized as registered nurse anesthetists to prescribe and administer those drugs and devices, including controlled substances, that are customarily used in their profession during the time surrounding an operation. They may allow others authorized under this section to do the same.
ERIN MOTLEY