APRNs Granted “Full Practice Authority” In Illinois
Heads Up: APRNs Granted “Full Practice Authority” In Illinois
Effective June 14, 2019, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed the necessary training and education may now be granted full practice authority. This change to the Nurse Practice Act allows APRNs with full practice authority to practice without a collaborative agreement with a physician. In order for an APRN to obtain full practice authority, the APRN must submit to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) an application and a notarized attestation that they completed “at least 250 hours of continuing education or training and at least 4,000 hours of clinical experience after first attaining national certification.” (225 ILCS 65/65-43(b)).
The prescriptive authority for an APRN with full practice authority is no longer limited provided the APRN has a practitioner license under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. APRNs with a practitioner license may prescribe, administer, and dispense over the counter medications, legend drugs, and Schedule II through V controlled substances. APRNs may also prescribe benzodiazepines or Schedule II narcotic drugs, such as opioids, but only in a consultation relationship with a physician.
To apply for full practice authority, the APRN must have a current Illinois Registered Nurse License and a current Illinois Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License. The Illinois Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Full Practice Authority Licenses will expire on May 31 of every even-numbered year.
The IDFPR Instruction / Information sheet can be found at: https://www.idfpr.com/Renewals/Apply/Forms/APRN-FPA.pdf
For further information, please contact Aileen Brooks.