Sec. 46. 30-A MRSA c. 206, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 521, §1, is repealed.

Sec. 47. 32 MRSA §2102, sub-§2-A, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 379, §4 and affected by §11, is amended to read:

2-A. Advanced practice registered nursing. "Advanced practice registered nursing" means the delivery of expanded professional health care by an advanced practice registered nurse that is:

A. Consistent with advanced educational qualifications as set forth in section 2201-A, subsection 2;

B. Within the advanced practice registered nurse's scope of practice as specified by the board by rulemaking, taking into consideration any national standards that exist; and

C. In accordance with the standards of practice for advanced practice registered nurses as specified by the board by rulemaking, taking into consideration any national standards that may exist. Advanced practice registered nursing includes consultation with or referral to medical and other health care providers when required by client health care needs.

A certified nurse practitioner or a certified nurse midwife who qualifies as an advanced practice registered nurse may prescribe and dispense drugs or devices, or both, in accordance with rules adopted by the board. In adopting such rules, the board shall invite and consider comment from the Joint Practice Council on Advanced Practice Registered Nursing.

A certified nurse practitioner who qualifies as an advanced practice registered nurse must practice, for at least 24 months, under the supervision of a licensed physician or must be employed by a clinic or hospital that has a medical director who is a licensed physician. The certified nurse practitioner must submit written evidence to the board upon completion of the required clinical experience.

The board shall adopt rules necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter relating to advanced practice registered nursing.