HB1258 Summary

• Establishes full independent practice authority for certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) allowing them to practice with prescriptive authority without a collaborative practice agreement after completing 6,240 hours of supervised practice.

• Creates the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee within the Department of Health to review and approve applications for full independent practice certificates, consisting of 6 physicians (3 from each medical school in Arkansas plus 1 at large), 3 CNP faculty members, 1 at-large CNP, and 2 ex officio nonvoting directors from the Medical Board and Board of Nursing.

• Requires CNPs with full independent practice certificates to renew every three years and conspicuously display signage indicating their independent status and lack of requirement for a collaborative practice agreement.

• Grants the committee authority to review complaints, hold disciplinary hearings with 10 days' notice, suspend or revoke certificates, and submit quarterly reports to the Senate and House committees on public health; appeals proceed under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act.

• Amends prescriptive authority requirements to allow CNPs to obtain certificates through either full independent practice authority or traditional collaborative practice agreements with physicians or podiatrists.