Physician assistants; Pharmacy Act; prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances; Physician Assistant Act; committee; members; requirements; practice agreements; prescribing; emergency.
Impact
The bill proposes significant changes to the existing Physician Assistant Act and the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act. By expanding the permissible functions of physician assistants, it acknowledges their critical role in healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas. The modifications aim to improve access to care by allowing physician assistants greater autonomy in prescribing medication, which could alleviate some burdens on physicians. Furthermore, it impacts regulations concerning who can prescribe controlled substances, thus potentially affecting public health measures related to drug use and prescribing practices.
Summary
House Bill 3965 focuses on amending rules governing physician assistants in Oklahoma, particularly related to prescribing controlled dangerous substances. The bill clarifies the authority of physician assistants regarding prescriptions, modifications to practice agreements, and increases the membership of the Physician Assistant Committee. Additionally, it clarifies pharmacists' authority to dispense certain drugs prescribed by physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, aiming to streamline healthcare delivery while maintaining patient safety standards.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 3965 appears largely supportive among healthcare providers who view enhanced roles for physician assistants as vital for patient care improvement and increased efficiency in the healthcare system. However, there is also concern about ensuring sufficient oversight and maintaining stringent controls over prescription practices to prevent misuse of controlled substances. This balance reflects a broader conversation about the roles of different healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive care while safeguarding patient health.
Contention
Debate around HB 3965 highlights tensions between expanding healthcare roles for non-physician practitioners and ensuring appropriate supervision and accountability. Some lawmakers and stakeholders fear that increased prescribing power for physician assistants might lead to potential over-prescription or misuse of controlled substances. These discussions underscore the challenge of adapting existing regulatory frameworks to changing healthcare dynamics while prioritizing patient safety and care quality.
Physicians assistants; Pharmacy Act; prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances; Physician Assistant Act; Committee; members; requirements; Public Health Code; authority for physician assistants to carry out certain functions; prescribing and administering controlled substances; supervision.
Practice of nursing; providing for independent prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who meet certain requirements; modifying various provisions of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act, the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act, and the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act; effective date.
Practice of nursing; providing for independent prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who meet certain requirements; modifying various provisions of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act and the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act. Emergency.