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SB 79 - This act modifies the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This act repeals the requirement that an APRN, including a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), operate under a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician. Additionally, APRNs, except for CRNAs, shall have the authority to prescribe any Schedule II to Schedule V drug, as specified in the act. A CRNA may provide anesthesia services without a certificate of controlled substance prescriptive authority if he or she is under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or other physician, dentist, or podiatrist who is immediately available if needed. Currently, a nurse may be licensed to practice professional or practical nursing. This act adds a license to practice advanced practice nursing and modifies the definitions of APRN and the practice of professional nursing. Additionally, this act specifies the requirements for the advanced practice nursing license, including the requirement that an applicant first hold a current registered professional nurse license, and have completed certain graduate-level programs and certifications, or hold a document of recognition to practice as an APRN that is current as of August 28, 2023. License renewals for APRN licenses and registered professional nurse licenses shall occur at the same time and failure to renew and maintain the registered professional nurse license or failure to provide evidence of an active required certification shall result in the expiration of the APRN license. This act further specifies requirements for an APRN's patient record retention, as well as modifies the names of the specific certifying organizations for nursing specialties. Under this act, APRNs shall have the authority to sign a patient's outside the hospital do-not-resuscitate order and provide or withhold treatment according to that order. Additionally, APRNs shall be permitted to use telemedicine to provide treatment to patients without a geographic restriction. APRNs shall have the authority to practice respiratory care by issuing a prescription, order, or protocol for a patient. Under this act, the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts shall make information publicly available about which physicians and other health care providers have entered into collaborative practice arrangements. This act is substantially similar to provisions in HB 1578 (2022) and HB 693 (2019). SARAH HASKINS
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