Bill > HB1989

This bill modifies provisions related to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), primarily focusing on their prescriptive authority and collaborative practice arrangements. The legislation removes previous geographic proximity requirements for APRNs working with collaborating physicians, allowing them more flexibility in practice. Specifically, the bill creates a pathway for experienced APRNs who have completed 4,000 documented hours of practice to be exempt from mandatory collaborative practice arrangements, effectively granting them independent practice status. The bill expands APRNs' prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe a broader range of medications, including controlled substances in Schedules III, IV, and V, with some restrictions on Schedule II medications. For controlled substances, prescriptions are limited to a 120-hour supply without refill, and APRNs are prohibited from prescribing for themselves or family members. The legislation also standardizes requirements for collaborative practice agreements, including detailed provisions about physician-APRN collaboration, chart review processes, and mutual agreement on prescriptive protocols. Additionally, the bill clarifies that no employer can require a physician to serve as a collaborating physician or an APRN to collaborate with a specific physician against their will, ensuring professional autonomy.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1989&year=2026&code=R