Bill > HB1131

This bill authorizes advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Arkansas to delegate certain nursing tasks to healthcare workers who are not licensed to perform those tasks. Specifically, APRNs can now delegate tasks like administering certain medications and immunizations that do not require specialized medical judgment, as well as phlebotomy activities. The bill establishes important guidelines for such delegation: the APRN remains legally responsible for the delegated tasks, the healthcare worker cannot represent themselves as a licensed professional, and must work under the APRN's supervision. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing is required to develop rules governing these delegations, including standards for medication administration within clinical settings, evaluating patient condition appropriateness, setting training and competency requirements for workers, and establishing other relevant procedures. The bill also clarifies that delegated tasks cannot be further sub-delegated by the receiving healthcare worker, and explicitly states that certified registered nurse anesthetists cannot delegate anesthesia administration. Importantly, the bill does not override existing laws about task performance, but provides a new framework for APRNs to extend their clinical support through trained unlicensed staff.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1131&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R