Bill > SB179

This bill modifies provisions related to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), expanding their prescriptive authority and collaborative practice arrangement requirements. The key changes include allowing APRNs to prescribe additional controlled substances, such as Schedule II benzodiazepines and stimulants for behavioral health patients, and Schedule II controlled substances for hospice patients. The bill introduces a provision that after accumulating 2,000 documented hours of practice with a collaborating physician, an APRN may no longer be required to maintain a collaborative practice arrangement. The legislation also updates requirements for obtaining a certificate of controlled substance prescriptive authority, providing APRNs with two pathways: either through a collaborative practice arrangement with a physician or by documenting 2,000 hours of advanced practice nursing experience. Additionally, the bill clarifies geographic proximity requirements for collaboration, allows for telehealth alternatives, and sets limits on the number of APRNs a physician can collaborate with (six full-time equivalent professionals). These changes aim to increase healthcare access and flexibility for advanced practice registered nurses while maintaining patient safety standards.

Labor and Employment

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=419