HB 423, designated in part as The Barbara Lumpkin Prescribing Act, passed the Legislature on Friday and authorizes ARNPs and PAs to prescribe controlled substances. If approved by the Governor, the bill’s effective date is July 1, 2016. A Negative Formulary Committee is required in the new legislation and it will make recommendations to the Board of Nursing for rule making. The Board again thanks Sen. Denise Grimsley and Rep. Cary Pigman for their tireless efforts to sponsor this important legislation and to work for its passage.

HB 941 also passed and is awaiting review by Governor Scott. The “MQA Legislative Package” contains various changes in Chapter 456, FS, abolishes the CNA Council, and aligns CNA in-service hours with the licensure biennium.

Enrolled versions of these bills are available at www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/bills.aspx