MS HB1273

Changes the title of the "Mississippi Nursing Practice Law" to the "Mississippi Nurse Practice Law" and establishes the Mississippi Board of Nursing as a consumer protection agency with authority to regulate nursing practice and protect public health, safety, and welfare.

Revises the composition of the Mississippi Board of Nursing from various specific nurse educator and clinical practice categories to seven (7) registered nurses (including one advanced practice registered nurse), four (4) licensed practical nurses, one (1) physician, and one (1) consumer representative.

Expands definitions and scope of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) practice, including four recognized roles (certified registered nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified registered nurse midwife, and clinical nurse specialist) with specified population focus areas and prescriptive authority for controlled substances.

Updates licensure procedures for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and APRNs to include fingerprint-based criminal history background checks, revised examination protocols, and requirements for internationally educated applicants.

Creates new procedures for restoration of revoked or suspended nursing licenses requiring petitioner to demonstrate rehabilitation and competency, and revises disciplinary hearing processes, penalties, and appeal procedures for the Board of Nursing.