Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a system of licensure for certain nurses to administer nonscheduled prescription drugs and controlled substances.

Highlights:

• Authorizes an “advanced practice registered nurse” to possess, prescribe, and administer nonscheduled prescription drugs and certain scheduled controlled substances, if the individual meets certain requirements including, but not limited to, the following requirements (Sec. 17211):
• The nurse has completed graduate level pharmacology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, and clinical practicum courses; 
• The nurse has a controlled substance license; and
• The nurse has met the “mentorship agreement” requirement.  

• Defines “advanced practice registered nurse” (APRN) as a licensed certified midwife nurse, licensed certified nurse practitioner, or a licensed clinical nurse specialist-certified (Sec. 17201). 

• Defines “mentorship agreement” as a written agreement that meets certain conditions including, but not limited to, the following conditions (Sec. 17201): 
• The agreement is between an APRN and either a licensed physician who holds a controlled substance license or a licensed APRN who has at least 5 years of experience and holds a controlled substance license; 
• The agreement is related to engaging in the practice of advanced practice registered nursing and, if applicable, the possession and prescription of Schedule 2-5 controlled substances; and
• The agreement lasts for 1 year and is renewable.

• Requires an APRN to meet 1 of the following conditions in order to engage in the practice of advanced practice registered nursing (Sec. 17202):
• The individual has been certified as a midwife nurse, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist-certified for at least 4 years prior to the enactment of this bill;
• The individual engaged in advanced practice registered nursing for 4 years under supervision per a mentorship agreement; or 
• The individual engages in advanced practice registered nursing under a current mentorship agreement and in collaboration with a physician or dispensing prescriber.

• Requires an APRN applicant to possess certain skills including, but not limited to, the following skills (Sec. 17210):
• Have advanced clinical knowledge and skills that aid them in assisting a patient directly and indirectly;
• Have a greater depth of knowledge than registered professional nurses; and
• Have been educationally prepared to assume responsibility and accountability for the patient’s health management, including the use and prescription of pharmalogical and nonpharmalogical interventions within the limits of his or her education.   

• Requires an APRN who practices without the supervision of a physician to be held to the same standard as a physician in cases of alleged malpractice (Sec. 17211).

Full Bill Text