FTC supports greater autonomy for APRNs in Kansas, Ohio

In response to requests from state lawmakers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued letters to Kansas and Ohio representatives in support of bills expanding the scope of practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Both the Kansas bill, H.B. 2412, and the Ohio bill, H.B. 177, would remove the need for APRNs to have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician in order to prescribe drugs. The FTC based its support of the legislation on research indicating APRNs provide safe and effective care and have prescribing patterns comparable to those of physicians. Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia currently permit independent prescribing by APRNs. (Modern Healthcare story, 1/13/20)