HB 1040 Summary

• Expands the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants in involuntary mental health and chemical dependency commitment proceedings by explicitly including them as qualified examiners and expert examiners.

• Allows APRNs and physician assistants to conduct physical condition evaluations, mental status evaluations, and chemical dependency evaluations in commitment examinations, subject to state board oversight and supervision requirements.

• Permits physicians, physician assistants, and APRNs to prescribe emergency medications for individuals subject to involuntary commitment when necessary to prevent bodily harm or imminent deterioration, with restrictions on medication discontinuation before hearings.

• Clarifies definitions and procedures throughout North Dakota Century Code Chapter 25-03.1 to consistently recognize APRNs and physician assistants as mental health professionals and examiners in involuntary treatment proceedings.

• Establishes that the bill does not expand scope of practice beyond what is authorized by the state board of nursing (for APRNs) or state board of medical examiners (for physician assistants).