CS/SB 614, also known as the Nurse Practice Act, grants Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) the authority to prescribe, dispense, administer, or order any drug, including controlled substances. This legislation expands the scope of practice for ARNPs and brings their disciplinary sanctions in line with those of physicians when it comes to prescribing or dispensing controlled substances outside of the professional practice standards.
The bill introduces several new acts for which disciplinary actions may be taken against ARNPs in relation to practicing with controlled substances. These acts include presigning blank prescription forms, prescribing Schedule II drugs for office use, and prescribing, dispensing, or administering amphetamines or sympathomimetic amine drugs unless specified conditions are met. Additionally, prescribing, dispensing, or administering certain hormones for muscle-building or athletic performance, promoting or advertising a pharmacy on a prescription form without providing an alternative pharmacy option, and prescribing, dispensing, or administering drugs, including controlled substances, outside of the scope of professional practice are also grounds for disciplinary action.
In addition, the Nurse Practice Act prohibits ARNPs from prescribing, dispensing, or administering controlled substances to themselves, prescribing, dispensing, or administering laetrile, and dispensing controlled substances listed in Schedule II or Schedule III in violation of the requirements outlined in the Pharmacy Practice Act. Lastly, promoting or advertising controlled substances is also considered a violation of the Act.
This new legislation aims to regulate the prescribing and dispensing practices of ARNPs and hold them accountable for their actions. By applying similar disciplinary sanctions as those imposed on physicians, the Nurse Practice Act ensures that ARNPs adhere to the same standards of care when it comes to prescribing and dispensing controlled substances.
To further understand the implications of this legislation, it is helpful to examine a specific case that highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating ARNP prescribing practices. The news article “High-Prescribing Nurse Surrenders Drug Licenses” sheds light on the consequences of inappropriate prescribing by an ARNP.
According to the article, an ARNP from Connecticut voluntarily surrendered her prescriptive authority and controlled substance licenses after being investigated by the state Department of Public Health. The investigation revealed that the ARNP had prescribed an excessive amount of controlled substances, raising concerns about her prescribing practices.
This case underscores the significance of enforcing stricter regulations for ARNPs when it comes to prescribing and dispensing controlled substances. It highlights the need for improved monitoring and oversight to prevent abuse and ensure patient safety.
The Nurse Practice Act’s inclusion of disciplinary sanctions for ARNPs who engage in inappropriate prescribing practices aligns with the goal of safeguarding public health. By holding ARNPs accountable for their actions and ensuring adherence to professional practice standards, the Act aims to promote responsible prescribing and protect patients from potential harm associated with the misuse of controlled substances.
In conclusion, CS/SB 614, the Nurse Practice Act, grants ARNPs the authority to prescribe, dispense, administer, or order any drug, including controlled substances. The Act introduces disciplinary sanctions for ARNPs who engage in inappropriate prescribing practices and aims to regulate their prescribing and dispensing activities. By aligning ARNP sanctions with those of physicians and promoting responsible prescribing, the Act seeks to ensure patient safety and protect public health. The case highlighted in the news article reminds us of the importance of monitoring and enforcing regulations to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of the healthcare system.
