Michigan House Bill HB6167

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/26/24
• Refer: 11/26/24

Caption

Health occupations: advanced practice registered nurses; scope of practice of registered professional nurses who hold specialty certifications as nurse practitioners; modify. Amends secs. 7303, 17201, 17210, 17211a & 17212 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.7303 et seq.) & adds sec. 17210a.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws by redefining the operational scope of APRNs, allowing them to operate without the need for delegation from a physician under specific circumstances. This includes the independent ability of certified nurse practitioners to prescribe certain controlled substances directly, which is expected to ease regulatory burdens on healthcare providers and free up physician time for more complex cases. The amendments propose a concurrent renewal of controlled substances licenses with other relevant licenses, simplifying regulatory compliance for practitioners.

Summary

House Bill 6167 amends sections of the Public Health Code of Michigan, specifically focused on the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and their ability to prescribe and dispense controlled substances. The main objective is to streamline and clarify the licensing process for APRNs and enable those with specialty certifications to practice more independently, particularly in prescribing complimentary starter doses of controlled substances. This change intends to improve patient access to necessary medications and enhance the role of APRNs in the healthcare system.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked discussions regarding potential overreach and implications for patient safety. Critics argue that allowing APRNs to prescribe controlled substances independently could lead to misuse or over-prescription without sufficient oversight from physicians. This concern is particularly pronounced in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis, where responsible prescribing practices are critically important. Proponents of the bill counter that APRNs are well-trained professionals who fill vital roles in patient care, especially in underserved areas, and that this legislative shift aligns with trends in national healthcare reform.