MO SB659

Expands the definition of "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" (APRN) to include certification from multiple nationally recognized professional organizations and specifies that APRNs must be accountable to patients, the nursing profession, and the board of nursing.

Establishes comprehensive scope of practice for APRNs including patient assessment, diagnostic testing, treatment ordering, medication prescribing, primary provider services, and delegation of nursing tasks, while excluding expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Requires APRNs seeking controlled substance prescriptive authority to complete advanced pharmacology coursework, minimum 300 clock hours of preceptorial experience, and minimum 1,000 hours of advanced practice nursing before application.

Modifies APRN licensure requirements to mandate completion of an accredited graduate-level APRN program by January 1, 2009, with concentration in one of four roles and at least one population focus, and national certification in the appropriate role and population.

Treats APRN licenses and RN licenses as a single license for renewal and fee assessment purposes once an APRN license is issued.