It is assumed that the costs associated with the bill's provisions relating to the licensing and authority of advanced practice registered nurses could be absorbed using existing resources.
The bill would amend the Occupations Code as it relates to the definition of an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and to the scope of practice of APRNs. The bill would allow APRNs to practice as licensed independent practitioners, as authorized by the Board of Nursing (BON), rather than through agreements with supervising physicians. The bill would allow APRNs to independently prescribe and order medications and devices, including controlled substances, as authorized by BON.
The bill makes conforming amendments to the Occupations, Education, Family, Government, Health and Safety, Human Resources, and Insurance Codes. Responding agencies anticipate that any costs associated with the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be addressed without additional appropriations.
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.