MS HB849

Exempts Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) from requiring a collaborative/consultative relationship with a physician after completing 8,000 practice hours; hours worked before July 1, 2025 count toward this requirement.

Adds a CRNA member to the Mississippi Board of Nursing composition, reducing licensed practical nurse representation from four to three members.

Establishes licensure and regulation of Anesthesiologist Assistants by the State Board of Medical Licensure, requiring graduation from an accredited program and passage of a national certification examination; assistants may only practice under supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Authorizes Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to issue written certifications for medical cannabis in accordance with the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

Effective date is July 1, 2025, contingent on the Legislature authorizing full funding of at least 100 scholarships under the Rural Physicians Scholarship Program.