BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 1524 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 8, 2012 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair SB 1524 (Hernández) - As Amended: June 6, 2012 Policy Committee: Business and Professions Vote: 9-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill deletes requirements that nurse practitioners (NPs) and certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) complete six months of physician and surgeon supervised experience in the furnishing or ordering drugs and devices, before prescribing or ordering drugs or devices. FISCAL EFFECT Negligible state fiscal effect. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . The author states a 6-month physician supervisory requirement is unnecessary and prevents NPs and CNMs from practicing to the fullest extent of their training. He further contends the requirement is redundant given that the law already requires physician supervision of CNMs who furnish drugs or devices, and physician involvement in developing standardized procedures for furnishing. He points to reports that this requirement creates barriers to hiring and making use of NPs and CNMs. Finally, he indicates the requirement is outdated, as it became law before the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) required pharmacology training as part of nursing educational programs. The California Nurse-Midwives Association and the California Association of Nurse Practitioners, who support this bill, believe advanced practice nurses now gain the required education, skills, and supervision during their courses of study. SB 1524 Page 2 2)Background . NP and CNM are two of several advanced practice certifications offered by the BRN. An NP is a registered nurse who possesses additional preparation and skills in physical diagnosis and psychosocial assessment necessary to provide primary health care. A CNM may, under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon, provide prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. BRN regulations require pharmacology training, as well as supervised clinical experience, for both certifications. Both NPs and CNMs may only furnish drugs or devices pursuant to standardized procedures, and may only furnish drugs or devices under physician supervision. 3)Opposition . The CA Chapter of the American College of Cardiology opposes this bill, citing more stringent requirements before physicians may furnish and potential harm to patients. Analysis Prepared by : Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081