Bill > A906

This bill, titled the "Consumer Access to Health Care Act," aims to expand the prescribing authority of advanced practice nurses (APNs) by removing the requirement for a joint protocol with a physician. Previously, APNs needed to have a formal agreement, known as a joint protocol, with a physician to prescribe medications, which involved detailed plans for their collaboration. This bill eliminates the definition of "collaborating physician" and instead introduces "collaborating provider," which can be either a physician or another APN. For APNs with less than two years of experience, a formal collaborating agreement with a collaborating provider will still be required specifically for prescribing medications. The bill also grants APNs "global signature authority," meaning they can sign, stamp, verify, or endorse documents that would typically require a physician's signature. Additionally, it clarifies that APNs can order medications and devices, provided they meet certain continuing education requirements in pharmacology and adhere to prescription regulations. The act also repeals certain sections of previous laws related to the oversight of APNs and their prescribing practices, and it will take effect on the first day of the fourth month following its enactment.