HB 1116 revises Indiana law governing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in several ways, with the central change being the removal of the statutory requirement that APRNs have a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. The bill also removes related language requiring APRNs to operate under a collaborative practice agreement or hospital-granted privileges, and it repeals the existing audit process for APRN practice agreements. In addition, it updates multiple cross-references and conforming provisions throughout the Indiana Code to reflect the new APRN framework effective July 1, 2025.
The bill also expands APRN prescribing authority in a limited area by allowing APRNs with prescriptive authority to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances for weight reduction or obesity treatment, while retaining existing restrictions and standards for controlled substances used for those purposes. It preserves other requirements for APRNs and other practitioners, including rules for HIV testing consent and notification, pediatric stimulant prescribing guidelines, and Medicaid-related provider and supervision provisions for certain mental health and substance use services. The bill makes technical and conforming changes to nursing board authority and disciplinary provisions tied to the now-repealed practice-agreement audit system.
Impact
HB 1116 would substantially change the regulatory structure for APRNs in Indiana by eliminating the physician collaboration/practice-agreement requirement and repealing the associated audit and enforcement provisions. It would amend statutes in the Medicaid, public health, nursing licensure, controlled substances, and disciplinary-liability chapters to align with a more independent APRN practice model, while leaving other scope-of-practice limits in place. The bill also specifically broadens APRN authority to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances for obesity or weight reduction, which is a notable change from current law.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed as a professional practice modernization bill for APRNs, with a generally pro-expansion posture toward nursing autonomy. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no documented floor or committee sentiment to assess from debate or roll call. The structure of the bill suggests support for reducing administrative barriers and expanding access to care through APRN practice authority.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the removal of the collaborating physician/practice agreement requirement, since that change directly affects physician oversight, APRN autonomy, and the regulatory role of the medical and nursing boards. Another likely area of debate is the expansion of APRN prescribing authority for controlled substances used in weight reduction or obesity treatment, given the involvement of Schedule II drugs and concerns about misuse, patient safety, and appropriate oversight. The repeal of audit requirements and related disciplinary mechanisms may also draw scrutiny from regulators and physician groups who favor continued monitoring of APRN practice arrangements.