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HB 1131

TO AUTHORIZE AN ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE TO DELEGATE CERTAIN TASKS TO MEDICAL ASSISTANTS AND OTHER UNLICENSED STAFF.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clint Penzo and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas law now permits Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to delegate clinical tasks to unlicensed medical assistants, expanding healthcare workforce flexibility while raising patient safety oversight concerns.

Notification that HB1131 is now Act 959
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Bill Summary · HB 1131

Legislative bill overview

HB 1131 expands the authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Arkansas to delegate specific clinical and administrative tasks to medical assistants and other unlicensed healthcare personnel. The bill has been enacted as Act 959 following Senate amendments and gubernatorial approval, becoming law in April 2025.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses healthcare workforce flexibility and access to care by allowing APRNs to utilize support staff more effectively, potentially reducing provider workload and enabling care delivery in underserved areas. However, it raises questions about patient safety oversight and the adequacy of supervision for tasks performed by unlicensed workers in clinical settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and liability: Unclear what specific tasks can be delegated and what supervision standards apply, creating potential gaps in accountability if complications arise from delegated duties
  • Scope creep concerns: Medical boards and nursing organizations may worry the delegation authority could expand beyond clinical appropriateness without clear guardrails
  • Unlicensed staff training requirements: The bill's language regarding mandatory training, competency verification, and ongoing oversight of delegated tasks may be insufficiently detailed

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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