SCS/SB 79 - This act modifies licensing and collaborative practice arrangements for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Under this act, an APRN may prescribe Schedule II controlled substances for hospice patients, as described in the act. Additionally, collaborative practice arrangements between the APRN and the collaborating physician may waive geographic proximity requirements when the arrangement outlines the use of telecommunications. Currently, an APRN shall practice with the collaborating physician continuously present for a one-month period when entering into an arrangement with the physician. This act waives that requirement when a primary care physician enters into an arrangement with a primary care APRN, the physician is new to the patient population, and the APRN is familiar with the patient population. 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, 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 the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 157 (2023), the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/HB 402 (2023), and the truly agreed to and finally passed HCS/SS/SCS/SB 70 (2023) and similar to provisions in HB 1578 (2022) and HB 693 (2019). SARAH HASKINS