SB 515 - This act provides for the licensing of advanced practice registered nurses. The act provides definitions for "advanced practice nursing", an "advanced practice registered nurse", and "lapsed license status". The definition of "registered professional nursing" is modified to include acts done without compensation.

Licensed practical nurses are authorized to establish peripheral vascular access for the administration of select intravenous infusion treatment modalities. Currently, licensed practical nurses are authorized to administer intravenous fluid treatment.

The act establishes licensing procedures for applicants to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse. The applicant must demonstrate completion of certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants are exempt from meeting the educational requirements if they have earned a professional nursing degree and have enrolled in certain accredited programs for advanced practice registered nurses prior September 1, 2003, and have earned an advanced practice registered nurse certificate before December 31, 2005, and have submitted a completed application for licensure to the board before December 31, 2005. The act provides for the issuance of a temporary permit, under certain conditions, to an applicant while the application is pending.

Registered professional nurses who are recognized by the board to title and practice as an advanced practice nurse before December 31, 2003, and whose recognition is current and active, shall be issued an advanced practice registered nurse license and be exempt from the licensing requirements for advanced practice registered nurses contained in this act.
JIM ERTLE