HB1244
To Amend The Requirements To Obtain A Certificate Of Full Independent Practice Authority By A Certified Nurse Practitioner Or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, House Bill 1244, proposes amendments to the requirements for certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) to obtain a certificate of full independent practice authority in Arkansas. The primary change involves reducing the required supervised practice hours. Currently, CNPs and CNSs need to complete 6,240 hours of practice under a physician's collaborative agreement. This bill seeks to reduce that requirement to 2,000 hours. The bill also allows for alternative pathways to meet this requirement by recognizing practice experience from other states, territories, or foreign countries, provided the applicant has prescriptive authority and is in good standing with relevant licensing boards. The stated purpose of this legislative action is to increase access to healthcare services provided by CNPs and CNSs within the state. The bill does not introduce any new fees or other requirements beyond the modification of the practice hour stipulations.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists in Arkansas who are seeking to obtain a certificate of full independent practice authority. By reducing the required supervised practice hours from 6,240 to 2,000, the bill would allow these healthcare professionals to practice independently sooner in their careers. This could also benefit individuals seeking healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas, as an increased number of CNPs and CNSs may be able to establish independent practices, potentially expanding healthcare access.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most likely to be negatively impacted by this bill are physicians who currently engage in collaborative practice agreements with certified nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. The reduced requirement for supervised practice hours could potentially lead to a decrease in the demand for physician oversight for CNPs and CNSs seeking independent practice authority. Additionally, there might be concerns from some physician groups or healthcare organizations regarding the perceived impact on patient safety or the quality of care with a shorter supervised practice period, although the bill aims to increase healthcare access.