1. (a) This section does not apply to certified registered nurse anesthetists.
2. (b) The board shall establish a program under which advanced practice nurses who meet the requirements established by the board are authorized to prescribe legend drugs, including controlled substances (as defined in IC 35-48-1-9 ).

3. (c) The authority granted by the board under this section:

   1. (1) expires on October 31 of the odd-numbered year following the year the authority was granted or renewed; and
   2. (2) is subject to renewal indefinitely for successive periods of two
   3. (2) years.

4. (d) The rules adopted under section 7 of this chapter concerning the authority of advanced practice nurses to prescribe legend drugs must do the following:

   1. (1) Require an advanced practice nurse or a prospective advanced practice nurse who seeks the authority to submit an application to the board.
   2. (2) Require, as a prerequisite to the initial granting of the authority, the successful completion by the applicant of a graduate level course in pharmacology providing at least two (2) semester hours of academic credit.
   3. (3) Require, as a condition of the renewal of the authority, the completion by the advanced practice nurse of the continuing education requirements set out in section 19.7 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.185-1993, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.83-2000, SEC.1; P.L.58-2014, SEC.9.