Oklahoma Senate Bill SB496

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; modifying various provisions of the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act. Effective date.

Impact

The bill would have significant implications on state laws governing APRNs. It updates existing statutes in the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act to allow for independent prescriptive capabilities, which proponents argue will certainly improve patient access to care and reduce barriers posed by traditional supervision requirements. However, the bill requires that Nurse Practitioners demonstrate a specific level of education and complete a mentorship of over 8,000 hours before they can practice independently. Additionally, APRNs will be mandated to carry malpractice insurance, which could have fiscal impacts on their practice.

Summary

Senate Bill 496 (SB496) focuses on advancing the role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Oklahoma by modifying provisions related to their prescriptive authority and application procedures. The bill expands the definition of prescriptive authority for Certified Nurse Practitioners, allowing them to apply for independent prescriptive authority without supervision from a physician if they meet specified educational and mentorship requirements. This change aims to enhance the ability of APRNs to provide healthcare services more autonomously, particularly in underserved areas.

Contention

Notably, SB496 is likely to generate discussions regarding the balance of care provided by APRNs and traditional medical providers. Supporters claim that this increase in autonomy will optimize healthcare delivery, while critics may express concerns about patient safety, lack of supervision, and the adequacy of training provided within the mentorship structure. Furthermore, there may be pushback from traditional medical institutions worried about potential overreach by APRNs into territories and responsibilities typically held by physicians, framing a continual debate over healthcare autonomy.