NJ Bill to allow APN's to initiate controlled substance RX

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

[color=#333399]fact sheet on s1078 apn bill (vitale, madden)

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[color=#333399]introduced february 23, 2004

[color=#333399]purpose[color=#333399]:

[color=#333399]this bill clarifies duties performed by apns and it confers prescriptive authority for apns to initiate controlled substance prescriptions or orders.

[color=#333399]background and facts related to the bill[color=#333399]:

• since 1992, apns have been authorized to perform all the tasks of a registered professional nurse and in addition, they may manage deviations from wellness and long term illnesses. s1078 adds clarifying language to include preventive care, already a nursing function, to the tasks an apn can manage. this clarifying language does not expand the practice of apns.
  

• s1078 does legally expand the practice of an apn in one way: if passed, it would authorize apns to initiate controlled substance prescriptions or orders and these prescriptions or orders would be written under a joint protocol with a collaborating physician, as specified by existing apn law.
  

[color=#333399]currently, apns initiate controlled substance prescriptions or orders only in

end-of- life situations

or to modify or renew a physician order. apns are permitted to prescribe or order all other classification of drugs under joint protocols with a collaborating physician and have been doing so since 1992. the language of s1078 authorizing apns to initiate controlled substance prescriptions or orders

is the only expansion of apn practice requested by the bill

.

• s1078 deletes the obsolete language concerning apn's writing on a collaborating physician's prescription blank because the uniform prescription blank act of 1996 requires that all prescribers use their own prescription blanks. thus this deletion does not represent an expansion of apn practice. it is a current legal requirement.
  
• finally, s1078 better clarifies the difference between nursing and medicine by deleting the phrase: "such diagnostic privilege is distinct from a medical diagnosis and replaces it with, "within the scope of nursing practice." this changed language is intended to define the difference between the diagnosis made by a nurse and the diagnosis made by any other health professional, including a physician.
  

[color=#333399]njsna: 2/24/04

http://www.njsna.org/govaffairs/fact_sheet_on_s1078_apn_bill.htm