HB 2097 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 23-79-114 to require insurance policies provide equal payment and reimbursement for health services whether provided by advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority (licensed under § 17-87-310) or physicians licensed under the Arkansas Medical Practices Act.

• Prohibits insurers and state agencies from denying beneficiaries freedom of choice to select either a physician or an advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority as their healthcare provider.

• Clarifies that the amendment does not expand or reduce the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses beyond existing law.

• Establishes that physicians and advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority must receive the same method of payment and reimbursement rate for administering identical health services.