Bill > S0152

This bill expands the authority of healthcare professionals to order medications, specifically allowing licensed physician assistants (PAs) to order any medication for a patient under the direction of a supervisory physician in facilities licensed under chapter 395 (hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers) or part II of chapter 400 (nursing homes and assisted living facilities). It also grants advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) the ability to order any medication for administration to patients in these same specialized facilities. Furthermore, a licensed practitioner can now authorize a PA or ARNP to order controlled substances for administration to patients in these facilities under certain conditions, clarifying that such orders are not considered prescriptions. The bill also amends the definition of "prescription" to exclude orders for administration, and makes conforming changes to laws related to controlled substances and pharmacy practices.