Bill > HB449

This bill modifies the laws governing the practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Ohio, primarily focusing on expanding their autonomy and prescriptive authority. Here's a summary: This bill enacts the Better Access to Health Care Act, which makes significant changes to how advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives, and certified nurse practitioners, can practice. The key provisions include allowing these nurses to practice without a mandatory standard care arrangement with a physician after practicing for 2,000 hours and collaborating with a physician. The bill removes previous requirements for constant physician collaboration, streamlines prescriptive authority, and provides more flexibility for nurses to practice independently. Specifically, the bill modifies regulations around: - Standard care arrangements between APRNs and collaborating practitioners - Prescriptive authority for controlled substances - Requirements for pharmacology education - Conditions under which nurses can practice without direct physician oversight - Terminology and definitions related to nursing practice The legislation aims to increase access to healthcare by reducing administrative barriers for advanced practice nurses and allowing them to practice more independently based on their training and experience. It applies to various types of advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse-midwives, and impacts multiple sections of Ohio's Revised Code related to nursing practice and healthcare regulation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb449