Requests the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to report on the number of advanced practice registered nurses and the number of physician assistants that provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Louisiana.
Impact
The resolution specifically aims to enhance the regulatory and operational oversight of MAT by mandating annual reporting from pertinent state boards. Beginning February 1, 2020, these boards are tasked with providing information on the number of certified APRNs and PAs participating in MAT and the number actively treating patients. This initiative is intended to improve the management of opioid addiction in the state and ensures that Louisiana leverages all available medical resources to combat this epidemic effectively.
Summary
SCR78 is a Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to report data concerning the number of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) involved in providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Louisiana. This is part of a broader effort to manage the state's response to the ongoing opioid crisis and ensure adequate treatment options are in place for those struggling with addiction to opioids. The resolution emphasizes the importance of monitoring the effectiveness of these treatment services to inform future policy decisions.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR78 appears supportive, as it is driven by the need to address a significant public health crisis. The resolution reflects a collaborative approach among healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and state legislators aimed at enhancing treatment accessibility. The unanimous vote in support of the resolution, with 96 votes in favor and none against, indicates widespread agreement on the necessity of bolstering MAT services in Louisiana.
Contention
While SCR78 itself does not directly propose contentious measures, it highlights ongoing discussions about addiction treatment and the role of healthcare providers in managing the opioid crisis. Some potential points of contention may arise in the implementation and effectiveness of MAT programs contingent on the findings of the reports requested by the resolution. Ensuring enough APRNs and PAs are trained and supported to provide MAT could become a topic for future legislation and regulatory focus.
To urge and request the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to verify and provide public access to collaborative practice agreements.
Requests the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to jointly develop and promulgate rules governing exemption from the collaborative practice agreement between an advanced practice registered nurse and a licensed physician.
To urge and request the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to verify and provide public access to collaborative practice agreements.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to study and make recommendations relative to certain provisions of Louisiana law on medical marijuana.
Requests the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to study the potential outcomes of allowing sanctioned physicians to practice under supervision and its impact on the physician shortage
Requests the La. State Board of Nursing and the La. State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners to study and report on a prospective merger of the two boards
Relating to the practice of advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants and the delegation of prescriptive authority by physicians to and the supervision by physicians of certain advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses and the number of advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants with whom a physician may enter into a prescriptive authority agreement.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.