AzNA tracks bills based on our Public Policy Agenda focused on the health of all Arizonans along with the professional practice and work environment of our Arizona nurses.

April 23, 2019

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

On April 16th Governor Ducey signed HB2068, the clinical nurse specialists; prescribing authority bill.

One giant step for Arizona nurses

The passage of this bill ends a 4-year journey to full practice authority (FPA) for our four APRN groups. Arizona like every state in the nation is working towards the APRN Consensus Model. In 2016 our legislative efforts failed, a “hard pill to swallow.” In 2017 we adjusted messages and strategies and were successful in passing FPA legislation for NPs, CNMs and CRNAs. Because the role of the CNS was not clear among legislators and even nurses, it took AzNA and our partners two additional years to secure prescriptive authority for CNSs.

Thank you’s all around!

Hundreds of advocacy hours were clocked by our Arizona nurses as well as national consultants. E-mails sent to legislators, face to face visits with legislators and stakeholder meetings all contributed to our success. A special shout out to Denice Gibson, AZNA’s Governmental Affairs Officer (and CNS), Kathy Busby, AzNA Lobbyist as well as our Executive Director, Robin Schaeffer for their tireless dedication and expertise to get the bill passed.

When can CNSs start prescribing?

The legislation, pursuant to law, will become effective 90 days after the close of the legislative session. We don't know the exact day as we don't know when the session will end at this point. Our “best guess” is mid to late August. The Board of Nursing is working to implement the legislation including determining educational requirements to comply with the legislation and guidance to CNS's who wish to apply for prescriptive authority. We will continue to inform our members as these issues are discussed and resolved.

HANDS-FREE ARIZONA!

HB 2318 the bill that would ban texting and driving statewide was signed by Governor Ducey on Monday, April 22nd. The law prohibits the following while driving; holding or supporting a wireless device, writing or reading any text-based communication or watching, recording or broadcasting videos. Arizona joins 47 other U.S. states that prohibit texting and driving.

So, when does this law take effect?

The law takes effect immediately, however, penalties will not begin until January 2021. Access this one-page information sheet to educate yourself and then start educating everyone around you.