FL S0428

Expands prescribing authority for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances under specified conditions, including completion of master's or doctoral degree programs and compliance with a Board of Nursing-established formulary.

Requires the Board of Nursing to establish a committee by October 31, 2016 to recommend a formulary restricting certain controlled substances for ARNPs, including limiting Schedule II controlled substances to 7-day supplies and psychiatric medications for children under 18 to certified psychiatric nurses.

Applies existing controlled substance prescribing penalties to ARNPs, requires 3 hours of continuing education on safe controlled substance prescribing for ARNP renewal, and designates ARNPs and physician assistants as "practitioners" under Florida's drug abuse prevention law if they hold valid federal controlled substance registry numbers.

Limits controlled substance prescribing in pain-management clinics to physicians only, and restricts physician assistants from prescribing Schedule II controlled substances to 7-day supplies with required continuing education on safe prescribing.

Exempts controlled substances prescribed by ARNPs and physician assistants from disqualifications for deputy pilot and state pilot certification, and requires hospitals to provide 90-day advance notice to obstetrical physicians before closing obstetrical departments.