Guam Senator Mary C. Torres
A bill just introduced by Guam Senator Mary C. Torres is meant to modernize Guam’s Nurse Practice Act, updating it to align with current U.S. national standards.
Bill 201-34 (LS), co-sponsored by Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez Jr., seeks to bring a portion of the law governing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in line with national standards. The proposed legislation provides full practice authority for APRNs, allowing them to evaluate patients and prescribe medication under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.
Senator Torres has been working closely with the APRN Subcommittee for the Nurse Practice Act to align Guam’s Nurse Practice Act and the Guam’s Nursing Rules and Regulations with national standards. Currently, more than forty percent of states have adopted full practice licensure authority. The APRN Subcommittee for the Nurse Practice Act is comprised of APRNs, members of the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners and members of the Guam Nurses Association.
This bill follows the recommendations and guidelines designed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Senator Torres said modernizing Guam’s Nurse Practice Act will ensure that all APRNs meet the uniform requirements and that the proper standard of care will be available to the Guam community.