Signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the full independent practice authority for certified nurse practitioners who meet certain criteria, including the completion of a minimum of 6,240 hours of practice under a "collaborative practice agreement with a physician." This bill also creates the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee.

Highlights:

• Defines "full independent practice authority" as the ability of a certified nurse practitioner to practice with prescriptive authority without a collaborative practice agreement (Sec. 2.a).

• Alleges it is the intent of the General Assembly to do the following (Sec. 1):

• Provide a legitimate pathway to full practice authority for certified nurse practitioners; and

• Reevaluate the composition of the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee in 3 years.

• Authorizes the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee to grant a certificate of full independent practice authority to a certified nurse practitioner who submits (Sec. 2.b-1):

• An application;

• An appropriate application fee as determined by the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee;

• Proof of successful completion of 6,240 hours of practice under a collaborative practice agreement with a physician; and

• Any other relevant information as determined by the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee.

• Requires a certificate of full independent practice authority to be renewed every 3 years with an appropriate renewal fee as determined by the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee (Sec. 2-2).

• Authorizes a certified nurse practitioner with a certificate of full independent practice authority may receive and prescribe drugs, medicines, or therapeutic devices appropriate to the certified nurse practitioner's area of practice (Sec. 2.c).

• Establishes the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee within the Department of Health (Sec. 2.e).

Full Bill Text