The Rome News-Tribune reported this week that State Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome) introduced Senate Bill 317 on the 39th day of the regular session — a practice he’s used in the past to give the affected parties time to review the proposal.
SB 17 would let advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants working in clinics dispense prepackaged prescription medications, with the authorization of the physician who oversees them. It would not apply to controlled substances such as opioid pain relievers.
The measure is aimed at boosting healthcare services in more rural areas where doctors are scarce.
Hufstetler chaired a special study committee in 2020 that looked at expanding the role of mid-level providers — APNs and PAs. Some of its recommendations passed that year but he’s said there’s more that can be done.
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