CS/CS/HB 281 Summary

• Expands prescribing authority of advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants to prescribe, dispense, administer, or order drugs instead of only monitoring and altering drug therapies

• Allows ARNPs and physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances for chronic nonmalignant pain upon registration and compliance with specified standards of practice including patient evaluations, treatment plans, and monitoring requirements

• Exempts controlled substances prescribed by ARNPs or physician assistants from disqualifications for certification or licensure as state pilots and deputy pilots

• Restricts prescribing of controlled substances in pain-management clinics to physicians only, with limited exceptions for inpatient hospital settings

• Includes ARNPs and physician assistants in the definition of "practitioner" under Florida drug abuse prevention laws and probation regulations

• Effective date: July 1, 2015