HOT OFF THE PRESS - HB1160 FULL SCHEDULE II GOES TO THE SENATE

HOT OFF OF THE PRESS! FULL SCHEDULE II HB 1160 PASSED OUT OF THE HOUSE TODAY!

Thank you everyone!  Our work is not done.  

Please see who voted and how they voted here:

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/.../2015/2015R/Pages/votes.aspx...

NOW ON TO THE SENATE - Read this!

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee has several members that are NOT NP friendly. This will be be a critical juncture! It is time to beat the bushes and have patients, families, friends, advocates and all nurses reach out to the Senate Committee to ask them to vote YES on HB1160.

Here is a link to the Senators by district:                 http://www.arkansasredistricting.org/maps/Pages/default.aspx

Here is a link to the Senators by name: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2015/2015R/Pages/LegislatorSearchResults.aspx?member=&committee=All&chamber=

Here is a link to Senate Committees:                         http://www.arkansas.gov/senate/docs/Committees-2015-16.pdf

There are a LOT of letters and emails being received by our legislators from people oppose NPs writing prescriptions for Schedule II Drugs. But the evidence is very strong that NPs prescribe safely. Here are some key points:

20-year history of APRNs prescribing hydrocodone-combination medications
In 43 States NPs are authorized to write for full schedule II drugs
Comprehensive care: APRNs work in every setting with patients who are living with cancer, acute illness, life threatening disorders, and chronic intractable pain
Safety of Care: APRNs need to be able to directly write and document the prescriptions for patients they are managing, NOT someone else
Cost of Care: Patient may have to wait for an appointment with another prescriber, potentially duplicating payment and charges. Delays in treatment increase the burden of illness and increase associated costs
Timely Care: Prescribing schedule II drugs will provide prompt care for acute pain: Patient deserves prompt treatment for acute and intractable chronic pain, such as in hospice care and in acute care settings
Accessible Care: APRNs have limited access under current laws for prescribing Schedule II medications when needed in medically underserved areas in Arkansas
Total Care: ADHD/ADD prescribing: APRNs are educated to assess and treat ADHD/ADD
Best Regards,

The Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association Interim Board