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House committee considers expanding APRN authority to prescribe Schedule II drugs; measure fails after hours of debate
Summary
Lawmakers debated a bill to let advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) prescribe Schedule II controlled substances and to revise collaborative-practice rules. Supporters said the change would expand access in rural areas; medical groups warned it could increase opioid and stimulant risks. The committee voted the bill down.
The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on an undisclosed date heard extended testimony and debate on House Bill 11 32, a bill to expand some APRNs’ prescriptive authority to allow prescribing of Schedule II controlled substances, including stimulants, under rules to be written by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Representative Pilkington, the bill sponsor, said the measure would "increase access to healthcare services provided by advanced practice registered nurses" and allow APRNs to prescribe across schedules "including Schedule 2 stimulants, under specific regulations," particularly to serve rural and underserved areas.
Proponents told the committee it would reduce delays and costs for families. Leonie DeClerk of the…
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