Mississippi Senate Bill SB2791

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Nurse practitioners; authorize to dispense legend drugs to patients.

Impact

The enactment of SB2791 will significantly impact state healthcare laws by allowing nurse practitioners to have greater autonomy in prescribing and managing patient medications. This change is expected to enhance the efficiency of patient care delivery, particularly for patients who require immediate access to medications without the need for a physician's prescription. Furthermore, the adjustment in power dynamics within medical practice can reduce the burden on physicians and potentially decrease healthcare costs for patients.

Summary

Senate Bill 2791 aims to amend Section 73-15-20 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to grant nurse practitioners the authority to dispense legend drugs or medications to their patients. The bill aligns the nursing practice regulations with provisions established under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, indicating a progressive shift in how healthcare services can be provided to patients within the state. By expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, the legislation seeks to improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved areas.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB2791 may face contention from various stakeholders within the healthcare community. Critics might argue that allowing nurse practitioners to dispense medications expands their role beyond the essential scope of practice and may raise concerns about the quality of care. Specific concerns include the adequacy of training for nurse practitioners in pharmacology and medication management, particularly concerning controlled substances. The legislative discussions will likely reflect differing opinions on the balance between enhancing healthcare access and ensuring patient safety.