S143: The SAVE Act Summary

• Modernizes North Carolina nursing regulations by establishing a licensure framework for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in four roles: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

• Creates new APRN licensure requirements effective January 1, 2020, including completion of graduate-level accredited programs, national certification in appropriate APRN role and population focus, current North Carolina RN license, and no encumbered licenses in any state.

• Grants APRNs prescribing, ordering, dispensing, and furnishing authority under the North Carolina Board of Nursing, replacing previous requirements for joint Board of Nursing and Medical Board oversight.

• Clarifies that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists may practice in collaboration with physicians, podiatrists, or other qualified providers and that nurse anesthesia activities do not constitute prescribing or making medical diagnoses.

• Includes grandfathering provisions allowing APRNs recognized or approved to practice in North Carolina by December 31, 2019, to be licensed under the new framework; establishes licensure fees not to exceed $100 for applications and $100 for two-year renewals.