Committee approves technical fix to ensure advanced practice nurses are covered for death‑certificate discipline

The Statutory Revision Committee adopted LLS 0623, a draft intended to correct cross‑references after HB251082 so advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) face the same disciplinary framework as other licensed clinicians for failure to timely complete the medical certification portion of a certificate of death.

Josh Schultz of the Office of Legislative Legal Services told the committee the bill amends two sections: a Title 25 provision requiring physicians, physician assistants and APRNs to complete medical certifications for death certificates, and a Title 12 provision adding the failure to timely complete that medical certification to the nurse and nurse aide practice act’s list of grounds for discipline. Schultz and members agreed to split and reorder subsections and to add an effective‑date clause that prevents retroactive application of discipline to APRNs for actions before a bill’s effective date.

Committee members asked technical questions about whether the statutory text should say "medical certification" versus "death certification" and whether the draft inadvertently imposes retrospective liability. Monica Sutherland from the Division of Professions and Occupations was present for questions; members also noted that the statute’s final drafting will show a specific effective date once the petition clause is resolved for introduction.

Vice Chair Espinosa moved the draft with authority for technical corrections; the committee seconded the motion and advanced LLS 0623 without objection.

Why it matters: The change clarifies disciplinary jurisdiction and ensures APRNs cannot evade intended discipline due to a cross‑reference omission. Committee action adds an effective‑date approach to avoid retroactive application of new disciplinary grounds.