Bill > S0210

This bill expands the ability of advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) and physician assistants (PA) to prescribe brand-name drugs when medically necessary, clarifies that controlled substances prescribed by ARNPs and PAs are not disqualifying for deputy pilot or state pilot certification, and applies existing penalties for violations related to controlled substances prescribed by ARNPs. It also redefines "practitioner" under Florida's drug abuse prevention law to include ARNPs and PAs for the purpose of prescribing controlled substances, provided certain requirements are met. Additionally, the bill modifies rules regarding physician assistant prescribing of controlled substances, including requiring continuing education on safe prescribing practices and establishing a formulary for controlled substances that ARNPs may not prescribe, with specific exceptions for psychiatric medications and certain Schedule II controlled substances. The bill also introduces new requirements for health insurers and health maintenance organizations regarding prior authorization forms and "fail-first" or "step-therapy" protocols, ensuring a clear process for overriding these restrictions when medically necessary. Finally, it clarifies that ARNPs and PAs can be considered "practitioners" for the purpose of prescribing controlled substances under Florida law.