Bill > HB1132

This bill amends Arkansas law to modify the prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), expanding their ability to prescribe medications and collaborate with healthcare professionals. The bill changes the requirements for obtaining a prescriptive authority certificate, allowing APRNs to collaborate not just with physicians, but also with podiatrists or other APRNs with full independent practice authority. The legislation modifies previous restrictions on prescribing controlled substances, particularly Schedule II drugs. Now, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing will adopt rules for safely prescribing stimulant medications in Schedule II, and APRNs' prescriptive authority will continue to extend to Schedules III-V. The bill requires that before the nursing board approves its rules for prescribing dangerous drugs and controlled substances, the Medical Board must review and verify consistency with their existing rules. This change aims to increase healthcare access by providing APRNs with more flexibility in prescribing medications and establishing collaborative practice arrangements, while maintaining patient safety through professional oversight and regulatory guidelines.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1132&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R