HB754 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg Wren

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Alan Boothe

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Nurses, certified registered nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, authorized to prescribe certain controlled substances, Secs. 20-2-214, 20-2-217 am'd; Secs. 20-2-250 to 20-2-259, inclusive, added

Summary

HB754 would let certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) prescribe certain controlled substances in Alabama under a new Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate (QACSC) and collaborative practice rules.

What This Bill Does

It creates a new Article 11 (Sections 20-2-250 to 20-2-259) authorizing CRNPs and CNMs to prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances with a QACSC. It designates the Board of Medical Examiners as the certifying board, requires qualifications, rules, and an appeals process for obtaining or renewing a QACSC, and sets fees and disciplinary provisions. It requires CRNPs and CNMs to work under collaborative practice agreements, complete advanced pharmacology training, and maintain active clinical practice before prescribing, administering, or dispensing, while establishing penalties and cost recovery for violations. It also creates a surcharge to fund the controlled substances prescription database and sets specific access rules to that database for prescribers, assistants, pharmacists, law enforcement, and state agencies.

Who It Affects

• CRNPs and CNMs who want to prescribe controlled substances would need to obtain a QACSC and meet training and practice requirements.
• Collaborating physicians who supervise CRNPs/CNMs under collaborative practice agreements.
• The Board of Medical Examiners as the certifying board responsible for issuing, renewing, and disciplining QACSCs.
• Patients served by CRNPs/CNMs with a QACSC who may receive prescriptions for Schedule III-V substances.
• Licensed pharmacists, licensed assistants to physicians, and other authorized users who access the controlled substances database under new rules.
• Law enforcement and department staff who may access prescription information for investigations and monitoring.

Key Provisions

• Creates new Article 11 (Sections 20-2-250 to 20-2-259) authorizing prescribing of certain schedules by CRNPs and CNMs with a QACSC.
• Designates the Board of Medical Examiners as the certifying board and authorizes it to adopt rules, set qualification criteria, establish an appeals process, and handle fees and disciplinary actions.
• Provides for the issuance and renewal of a QACSC, including required qualifications (coursework in advanced pharmacology, 12 months of active clinical practice with a collaborative agreement, and final approval by the board and nursing entity).
• Allows prescribing, administering, and dispensing of Schedule III-V controlled substances by CRNPs/CNMs holding a QACSC, under board-approved formularies and protocols, and requires collaboration with a physician and adherence to the formulary limiting rules.
• Prohibits self-prescribing or prescribing to family members and requires compliance with specific grounds for denial, discipline, suspension, or revocation (fraud, crimes related to controlled substances, endangering patients, excessive dispensing, etc.).
• Establishes disciplinary processes, hearings, immediate effect of suspension/revocation, and limited stay provisions, with judicial review available in Montgomery County.
• Imposes a $10 annual surcharge on each QACSC and related certificates to fund the controlled substances prescription database, with revenues used for database development, operation, and maintenance.
• Authorizes access to the controlled substances database for designated roles (certifying boards, licensed prescribers with QACSC, licensed assistants to physicians, licensed CRNPs/CNMs with QACSC, licensed pharmacists, and law enforcement), with limits on information access and confidentiality protections.
• Requires the Board to adopt rules governing application procedures, fees, fines, disciplinary conduct, and the management of administrative costs related to QACSCs and disciplinary proceedings.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Nurses and Nursing