AANP Announcement: Arkansas Signature Recognition Law Takes Effect

AANP Announcement: Arkansas Signature Recognition Law Takes Effect

AR House Bill 1180, was signed into law March 7, 2017, and will take effect this week. AR HB 1180 updated the Arkansas Business and Professions code to add a new sub-section 120, which grants APRNs and Physician Assistants signature authority to legally certify the following:

• Handicapped placards and disabled parking permits
• Sports physicals for student athletes
• Physicals for bus drivers
• Do not resuscitate orders
• Death certificates
• Jury member documentation of absence due to illness
• Workers’ compensation forms
• Forms relating to school or work absenteeism due to illness.
• Authorizations ordering durable medical equipment.

This Act is the culmination of hard work and collective efforts to streamline delivery of care. Kudos to all who contributed to helping APRNs “treat the paperwork” in Arkansas!

As a reminder, NPs are also now required to check the PMP the first time a benzodiazepine is prescribed and anytime a Schedule II or III opioid is prescribed. This must be noted in the record of the patient and is effective 7/31/17.

Ashley Shew
State Government Affairs Policy Analyst
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
ashew@aanp.org  www.aanp.org
Direct Line: 571-777-8450

Thank you to all who worked diligently to make this bill a reality...CONGRATULATIONS!