SB554 Alabama 2012 Session

This bill would allow for the prescribing of certain schedules of controlled substances by certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNP) and certified nurse midwives (CNM)

This bill would establish qualifications for CRNPs and CNMs to obtain a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate (QACSC); provide the Board of Medical Examiners shall be the certifying board; authorize the board to adopt rules; provide criteria for certifying or denying a certificate; provide an appeals process, authorize fees and charges; and provide certain immunity to the board for disciplinary actions

To add a new Article 11, consisting of Sections 20-2-250, 20-2-251, 20-2-252, 20-2-253, 20-2-254, 20-2-255, 20-2-256, 20-2-257, 20-2-258, and 20-2-259, to Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Code of Alabama 1975, to allow for the prescribing of certain schedules of controlled substances by certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNP) and certified nurse midwives (CNM) with collaborative practice agreements; to provide for the establishment of qualifications required for certified registered nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives to obtain a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate (QACSC); to provide for prescriptive, administering, and dispensing authority of CRNPs and CNMs in possession of a QACSC; to provide for the establishment of the Board of Medical Examiners as the certifying board for the registration and approval of a CRNP and CNM to obtain or renew a QACSC; to provide for authorization of the board to adopt rules concerning the application procedures, fees, fines, punishment, and conduct for any disciplinary hearings for CRNPs and CNMs applying for or in possession of a QACSC; to provide for grounds for denial of applications for and grounds for disciplinary action against a QACSC; to provide for an appeals process for a CRNP or CNM adversely affected by an order of the board denying an application for or the renewal of or suspending, revoking, or restricting, or assessing an administrative fine against a QACSC; to provide for the board to charge and collect fees, costs, and expenses to defray expenses incurred in the registration and issuance of a QACSC and in connection with disciplinary proceedings; to provide immunity to any member of the board, its agents, employees, consultants, or attorneys regarding investigations or disciplinary proceedings pertaining to QACSC; and to amend Sections 20-2-214 and 20-2-217 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the Controlled Substances Prescription Database.