The law highlights a problem where different groups in California use different definitions for what a nurse practitioner is, which can confuse and harm the public. To protect people, it's important to clearly define who can use the title 'nurse practitioner' and ensure those using it have the right qualifications.

You can only call yourself a 'nurse practitioner' if you're officially licensed as a nurse and meet specific requirements set by the board.

If you want to become a nurse practitioner in California for the first time, after January 1, 2008, you need to have a valid registered nursing license in California, a master's degree or higher in nursing or a related clinical field, and you must complete an approved nurse practitioner program.

This law allows nurse practitioners in California to perform specific tasks under standardized procedures developed with health professionals, including doctors. They can order durable medical equipment, certify disability after a physical exam and consultation with a doctor, and manage treatment plans for home health and personal care services, in collaboration with treating doctors. These actions must be within any limitations specified in the standardized procedures, and insurance companies can still require prior approval. Existing procedures are not affected by this new law.

This law section outlines the role of the board in creating categories for nurse practitioners, setting standards they must meet, and ensuring they have the necessary education and experience to practice safely. It mandates consultation with nurse practitioners and health care experts to develop these standards. Additionally, if any regulations that affect the capabilities of nurse practitioners are implemented by a state department, they must be made in consultation with this board. These standards apply universally, regardless of when someone meets them, and accommodations must be made for registered nurses who haven't completed specific academically affiliated programs.

This law explains when nurse practitioners in California can furnish or order drugs or medical devices. They can do so if they follow standardized procedures or protocols developed with and approved by their supervising physicians. These protocols also determine the specific drugs or devices that can be furnished, the necessary supervision, and how the nurse practitioner's skills are reviewed. For more controlled substances like Schedule II, extra guidelines and training are required. A nurse practitioner's orders are treated similarly to physician's prescriptions, and physician supervision does not require physical presence but must be available by phone. A physician can only supervise up to four nurse practitioners at a time.

This law allows nurse practitioners to supply or prescribe drugs to patients if they follow agreed rules. Those who prescribe controlled substances must register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

This law details how nurse practitioners in California can obtain a special number from the board that allows them to provide medications or medical devices. They must meet specific requirements, and if approved, the board gives them a number that must be included with all drug or device orders. The board can charge fees for application and renewal of this furnishing number. If a nurse practitioner fails to renew on time or displays incompetence or negligence, their number might be revoked, suspended, or denied.

This law allows nurse practitioners to prescribe or order buprenorphine for treating opioid addiction if they follow certain rules. They must complete at least 24 hours of specialized training that covers topics like opioid maintenance, clinical use of approved treatments, patient assessments, treatment planning, counseling, and best practices. If not through training, their other experiences must meet standards set by health authorities. Additionally, nurse practitioners must work under the supervision of or with a licensed doctor.

This law section requires the board to think about adding courses on infection-associated chronic conditions, like long COVID, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and dysautonomia, when setting their continuing education requirements for medical professionals.

This section makes it clear that nothing in this article should be interpreted as restricting the current responsibilities and duties of registered nurses as authorized by this chapter.