GA HB557

Physicians may delegate authority to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) to prescribe hydrocodone, oxycodone, or compounds thereof in emergency situations, limited to an initial five-day supply for patients 18 years of age or older, provided the APRN or PA has at least one year of post-licensure clinical experience and is in good standing with the board.

APRNs must complete one hour of continuing education biennially on the appropriate ordering and use of hydrocodone, oxycodone, and compounds thereof; PAs must complete one additional hour of continuing education biennially on the same subject beyond existing requirements.

Nurse protocol agreements and PA job descriptions shall be automatically deemed approved by the Georgia Composite Medical Board upon submission when there is a change in delegating/supervising physician within the same or similar specialty at a practice with an existing approved agreement, or when the new agreement has substantially the same terms as a previously approved one.

APRNs and PAs are authorized to execute affidavits certifying that an individual is disabled for purposes of obtaining temporary, permanent, or special permanent parking permits for persons with disabilities.

Georgia was one of only three states that prohibited APRNs and PAs from prescribing any Schedule II medications; the bill cites the Georgia Healthcare Workforce Commission's 2022 findings that revising practice restrictions could improve access to care without compromising quality or increasing costs.