Michigan Senate Bill SB0279

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23

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 proposed amendments in SB 0279 are expected to streamline healthcare delivery and empower APRNs to take on more responsibilities in patient treatment plans, thus potentially alleviating some of the burdens currently faced by physicians. By allowing certified nurse practitioners to independently prescribe medications, the bill could lead to quicker treatment for patients and support a more integrated healthcare approach. However, this may raise concerns about the adequacy of training and oversight, particularly in the administration of controlled substances.

Summary

Senate Bill 0279 seeks to amend the Public Health Code with significant implications for the role of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Michigan. The bill focuses particularly on revising the scope of practice for registered professional nurses holding specialty certifications as nurse practitioners. Under this legislation, APRNs will be granted the authority to prescribe controlled substances included in schedules 2 to 5 without requiring delegation from a supervising physician, contingent upon possessing the appropriate specialty certification. This change aims to enhance accessibility to healthcare and effectively utilize the skills of APRNs in managing patient care.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB 0279 involve the balance of power between nurse practitioners and physicians. Opponents of the bill argue that fully autonomous prescribing authority for APRNs could lead to issues of safety and efficacy due to varying levels of training compared to physicians. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for overprescribing and reduced oversight in prescribing practices. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that APRNs are adequately trained to handle these responsibilities and that such changes align with national trends toward expanding the roles of nurse practitioners in healthcare settings.