HB1181
To Amend The Full Practice Authority Of A Certified Nurse Midwife To Allow Admitting Privileges.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to amend the full practice authority of certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in Arkansas. The primary change is to grant CNMs the authority to admit and discharge patients from licensed hospitals, provided they are granted privileges by the hospital. This expansion of scope would also allow CNMs to complete and sign birth and death certificates under specific circumstances. Currently, full practice authority for CNMs includes evaluating patients, diagnosing conditions, ordering tests, managing treatment plans, and prescribing certain medications without direct supervision. The bill revises existing Arkansas Code sections to incorporate these new privileges into the definition of full practice authority and to clarify the roles of CNMs in birth and death registration processes. The intention is to broaden the scope of practice for CNMs within the state.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in Arkansas, as it expands their scope of practice to include admitting and discharging patients from hospitals and signing birth and death certificates. Patients, particularly those seeking care that aligns with midwifery services, may also benefit from increased access to care and potentially more diverse healthcare options. Hospitals might see an expanded pool of healthcare providers capable of admitting and managing patients, potentially improving patient flow and care delivery within their facilities.
Who Might Suffer?
Physicians, particularly those in obstetrics and gynecology, may be indirectly negatively impacted if the expanded role of CNMs leads to a shift in patient demographics or a perceived increase in competition for certain types of care. Hospitals' administrative and credentialing bodies would be tasked with establishing procedures and policies for granting admitting privileges to CNMs. There is also a potential for increased liability or regulatory scrutiny for institutions that grant these privileges, as they would need to ensure appropriate oversight and standards are met for CNM patient admissions and discharges.