Advocacy: Kentucky Gov. Signs Law allowing APRNs to prescribe independently

Published

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2014-03-03/health-issues/new-law-helps-ky-nurse-practitioners-heal-more/a37814-1

APRNs including NPs and midwives can now prescribe non-naroctics independently in Kentucky, thanks to changes in the healthcare law signed last week by the Governor. Previously, they had to have a collaborative agreement with a physician to prescribe.

I checked the current NP law in Kentucky, and it seems NPs there can already practice autonomously for the most part, but were held back as they couldn't prescribe independently. This change in the laws means Kentucky NPs are now fully autonomous.

(Check out NP rights by state here: http://www.bartonassociates.com/nurse-practitioners/nurse-practitioner-scope-of-practice-laws/)

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

There is currently a bill that passed the transportation cabinet to allow NP to sign for handicap plates, not just the placards. So they are slowly moving forward. Still can't sign death certificates.

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There is currently a bill that passed the transportation cabinet to allow NP to sign for handicap plates, not just the placards. So they are slowly moving forward. Still can't sign death certificates.

The link I sent for the chart showing rights by state shows that they can sign handicap placards in KY.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I'm confused you said the bill allows NPs to Rx non-narcotics, but then you say they can practice independently? Do they have full Rx authority? What do they do if their patient needs narcotics?

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I suppose they would still need an agreement to prescribe narcotics

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

Placards are not the permanent license plate. Right now only Dr's can sign for the permanent plate.

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Specializes in Emergency.
I suppose they would still need an agreement to prescribe narcotics

So in other words it's a relatively limited step forward. What is the position of the state NP association? Do they support this bill, or are they trying to get one that allows for true independence?

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So in other words it's a relatively limited step forward. What is the position of the state NP association? Do they support this bill, or are they trying to get one that allows for true independence?

Yeah, I agree it's not FULL independence but I think it's a good step. I think adding the ability to prescribed schedule medications at a later date would be fine. I'm not sure of the state NP associations stance.

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

According to the KCNPNM the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives, they support this bill as a step forward. Little steps at a time is my guess. From what I gather they are very active in our State Capital, especially since most of the state is still rural and in certain parts there might not be a Dr within 50 miles to get a collaboration agreement with.

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Specializes in Emergency.
According to the KCNPNM the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives, they support this bill as a step forward. Little steps at a time is my guess. From what I gather they are very active in our State Capital, especially since most of the state is still rural and in certain parts there might not be a Dr within 50 miles to get a collaboration agreement with.

Good to know WildcatFan. I personally think we stand in a unique point in time when we need to push every state legislature for full autonomy, but each state organization should be more intune with what is achievable in their state than the rest of us, so hopefully they will gain this small step and move forward towards full autonomy in the future.

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