MO SB979

Expands Schedule II controlled substance prescribing authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to include Schedule II stimulants for behavioral health patients, in addition to existing authority for hydrocodone and Schedule II substances for hospice patients

Allows APRNs with 2,000 documented hours of collaborative practice experience to practice independently without a collaborative practice arrangement with a physician, and permits APRNs licensed by endorsement from other states to count prior practice hours toward this requirement

Enables APRNs who have completed 2,000 hours of advanced practice nursing to obtain controlled substance prescriptive authority without requiring a collaborative practice arrangement with a physician

Maintains existing restrictions including: 120-hour supply limit without refill for Schedule III narcotics and Schedule II hydrocodone, prohibition on self-prescribing controlled substances, and exclusion of certified registered nurse anesthetists from independent practice provisions