AR SB189

Removes the mandatory requirement for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician to obtain prescriptive authority in Arkansas.

Allows APRNs to qualify for prescriptive authority through three alternative pathways: maintaining a collaborative practice agreement with a licensed physician, completing 2,000 hours of supervised practice with a physician or experienced APRN, or holding current prescriptive authority in Arkansas or another state with substantially similar or stricter requirements.

Requires completion of an Arkansas State Board of Nursing-approved advanced pharmacology course with preceptorial experience and mandates continuing education as determined by the Board.

Limits APRN prescriptive authority to Schedule III-V controlled substances, with hydrocodone combination products reclassified to Schedule II available only if expressly authorized by a collaborative practice agreement.

Requires the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to adopt rules consistent with the State Medical Board's rules on dangerous drugs and controlled substances, with Medical Board review and approval of proposed nursing rules prior to implementation.