Bill expanding APRN duties wins passage

 Legislation allowing state-regulated nurses with advanced degrees -- known as advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) -- to prescribe drugs and make house calls  passed the Senate and moved to the Governor.

AARP Michigan has been working for three years  on a measure to expand APRN responsibilities. The law will enhance health care access for Michiganders across the state.

HB 5400, which passed early Thursday 101-7,  would also let APRNs, who may be nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, to dispense complimentary starter doses of drugs and would allow APRNs to go on rounds, whose timing and frequency is unrestricted by a physician.
The bill now goes to the governor's desk.