SB229 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Del MarshJ.T. Waggoner

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Nurses, certified nurse practioners and nurse midwives, Board of Medical Examiners authorized to create Limited Purpose Schedule II permits authorizing the prescribing of certain controlled substances, Secs. 20-2-250 to 20-2-260, inclusive, added; Secs. 20-2-214, 20-2-217 am'd.

Summary

SB 229 creates a framework for nurse practitioners and nurse midwives to prescribe certain controlled substances with a qualifying certificate, establishes a Limited Purpose Schedule II option in the future, and updates the controlled substances prescription database rules and funding.

What This Bill Does

It allows CRNPs and CNMs to prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances if they have a Qualified Alabama Controlled Substances Registration Certificate (QACSC) issued by the Board of Medical Examiners, with a collaborative physician. It sets qualification requirements (12+ months of active practice, advanced pharmacology training) and creates an oversight and appeals process, including grounds for denial or revocation of a QACSC. It also creates a future Limited Purpose Schedule II Permit for assistants to physicians, CRNPs, or CNMs under board rules, with restricted use. Additionally, it expands access to the Controlled Substances Prescription Database for credentialed providers and imposes a $10 yearly surcharge to fund the database.

Who It Affects

• CRNPs and CNMs who practice with a collaborating physician and may seek a QACSC to prescribe Schedule III-V substances, subject to training, practice, and board rules.
• Patients and the public who may benefit from expanded prescriber options and enhanced monitoring of controlled substances, along with future assistants operating under a Limited Purpose Schedule II Permit and access to the prescription database.

Key Provisions

• Adds Article 11 (Sections 20-2-250 to 20-2-259) allowing CRNPs and CNMs to prescribe Schedule III-V substances with a QACSC, under collaboration with a physician, with requirements for training, practice, and board oversight including denial and disciplinary grounds.
• Designates the Board of Medical Examiners as the certifying body for QACSCs, creates an advisory committee, and authorizes rules on applications, fees, and hearings; includes an appeals process and immunity for board staff.
• Sets restrictions on QACSC use, including limits on stockpiling and prohibitions on prescribing to self or immediate family; establishes grounds for suspension/revocation and procedures for reinstatement.
• Creates Article 12 (Section 20-2-260) for a Limited Purpose Schedule II Permit to allow limited prescribing/dispensing of Schedule II drugs by assistants to physicians, CRNPs, or CNMs under board rules, with prohibitions on stock and self-use and future board discretion.
• Amends 20-2-214 to expand who can access the Controlled Substances Prescription Database (CSDB), including CRNPs/CNMs with QACSC and certain assistants, with notes that checking the database is not mandatory for prescribers.
• Amends 20-2-217 to add a $10 annual surcharge on relevant practitioner certificates and QACSCs, collected by certifying boards and used to fund CSDB development, operation, and maintenance.
• Adds immunity provisions for board members and staff and outlines governance and rulemaking to implement these changes.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Medical Examiners, State Board of