Modifies provisions relating to prescriptive authority for advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants
The revisions outlined in HB 1492 are likely to impact healthcare delivery in Missouri by broadening the scope of practice for physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. Supporters argue that this change will enable quicker access to necessary medications and reduce the workload on supervising physicians. However, this bill also raises implementation concerns, as it introduces new requirements for the supervising physician to oversee the prescriptive activities of physician assistants and advanced practices nurses, including the necessity for written collaborative practice arrangements and specific geographic proximity rules. As a result, the relationship dynamics between healthcare providers may shift, prompting discussions around accountability and quality of care.
House Bill 1492 proposes significant modifications to the prescriptive authority of advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants in Missouri. The bill repeals and enacts specific sections concerning the prescription, administration, and dispensing of controlled substances by these healthcare professionals. It specifically allows them to prescribe medications listed in Schedules III, IV, and V, while limiting their authority concerning Schedule II medications primarily to those containing hydrocodone for certain patient groups, including hospice patients and patients of designated mental health providers. This alteration seeks to expand the roles of these professionals within their collaborative practice agreements with physicians, thereby enhancing patient access to necessary medications.
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1492 revolves around the balance of authority and responsibilities among healthcare providers. Critics may argue that expanding prescriptive authority could lead to potential misuse of medications and concerns regarding patient safety, especially regarding controlled substances. There are stipulations in place to ensure oversight, including requirements for physicians to review a certain percentage of prescriptions made by their collaborators. Nevertheless, opponents within the healthcare community might express worries that these changes undermine physician oversight and diminish the rigor of patient care standards, splitting opinions among medical stakeholders on the appropriateness of the proposed authority shifts.