An Act relating to the practice of nursing; providing for independent prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who meet certain requirements; providing certain construction; stating application criteria; specifying duration of authority; authorizing supervision by Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with independent prescriptive authority who meets certain requirements; authorizing Oklahoma Board of Nursing to prescribe additional qualifications; providing for application approval, denial, reapplication, fees, and independent prescriptive authority revocation; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 353.1, as amended by Section 6, Chapter 288, O.S.L. 2022 (59 O.S. Supp. 2023, Section 353.1), which relates to definitions used in the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act; modifying and adding definitions; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 353.1a, which relates to prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; modifying prescriptive authority of certain Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 567.3a, which relates to definitions used in the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act; modifying and adding definitions; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 567.4a, which relates to prescriptive authority; specifying authority of the Board to grant prescriptive authority; directing the Board to promulgate certain rules; modifying references; conforming language; clarifying certain educational requirement; amending 59 O.S. 2021, Section 567.5a, which relates to Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license; providing for independent prescriptive authority by endorsement; amending 63 O.S. 2021, Section 2-312, as amended by Section 2, Chapter 184, O.S.L. 2022 (63 O.S. Supp. 2023, Section 2-312), which relates to controlled dangerous substances; conforming language relating to supervision requirement; updating statutory language; updating statutory references; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.
2 Replies to “HB 2298 (2025)”
The debate centered on whether the bill expanded the scope of practice for APRNs.
Opponents argued that granting independent prescriptive authority inherently broadens an APRN’s role. They emphasized that APRNs receive the least amount of training among prescribing professionals and noted that APRNs would be the only prescribers regulated solely by the nursing board, whereas physician assistants are overseen by the medical board.
The bill’s sponsor maintained that it does not alter the scope of care APRNs are authorized to provide. The only change is a reduction in required physician oversight when prescribing. If an APRN can prescribe a medication under current law, they could continue to do so under this bill—and vice versa. The scope of care remains unchanged.
Both sides concluded their arguments with state-by-state and national data supporting their respective positions, presenting either positive or negative impacts on healthcare systems and outcomes.
In a pointed speech, Sen. Pugh announced plans to pursue legislation during the interim to establish a unified medical board. He cited ongoing infighting and protectionist behavior among existing boards, stating that it undermines the health of Oklahomans. He argued that such conflict forces the legislature to adopt political solutions in place of expert-driven reforms, which further hinder the advancement of healthcare in Oklahoma. It is important to note that the physician, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy boards are not public health entities but trade licensing boards responsible for regulating their respective professions.
Expands the prescribing authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), without physician oversight.
Sen. Stanley has introduced a similar bill, SB 569 (2025), but has key differences:
Similar to Sen. Stanley’s SB 458 (2023), which was vetoed by the Governor during the 2024 session.
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