HB 1113 prohibits medical providers (including doctors, dentists, and nurse practitioners) and medical malpractice insurers from requiring patients or healthcare providers to agree to arbitration as a condition for receiving medical care or insurance coverage. The bill makes it illegal for providers to tie treatment to arbitration agreements and for insurers to tie coverage to such agreements, with violations potentially leading to license suspension for providers or insurance violations for insurers. It defines "medical provider" broadly and amends existing laws to align with these prohibitions. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
HB 646 would allow U.S. Coast Guard Health Services Technicians to qualify for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license by taking the state exam, after completing their Coast Guard training and two years of direct patient care experience. This expands an existing provision that already covers other military medics (like Army Combat Medics and Navy Corpsmen) but specifically adds Coast Guard Health Services Technicians to the list of eligible applicants. The bill does not change exam requirements or create new pathways - it simply extends current military licensure eligibility to this specific Coast Guard role. The proposal died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.
SB 2356 would have required Mississippi insurers to reimburse pharmacists at least the same rate as other nonphysician health care providers for services within their legal scope of practice, such as medication therapy management. It directly affects pharmacists who provide covered services, ensuring they receive equal payment to providers like nurse practitioners. The bill mandates that insurers pay this rate for services that would otherwise be covered if provided by another qualified health care provider. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.
HB 1152, the "Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act," creates a new pathway for Mississippi patients with chronic, progressive, severely disabling, or terminal illnesses not currently covered under the state’s medical cannabis program to access medical cannabis. It allows a patient’s treating doctor (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) to submit a petition to the State Department of Health detailing the diagnosis, treatment history, and rationale for cannabis use, including proof that conventional therapies were ineffective or unavailable. The State Health Officer makes the final, non-appealable decision within 45 days, and approved patients become eligible for a registry card but must undergo annual reevaluations by their provider. The bill does not expand existing qualifying conditions but adds this specific process for uncovered serious illnesses, with the Department retaining authority to limit cannabis type, form, or quantity for public health safety.
SB 2555 would allow Mississippi pharmacists to test for, screen, and treat specific minor, nonchronic health conditions - such as flu, UTIs, lice, and COVID-19 - without a physician’s prescription. It defines these conditions as short-term issues typically managed with non-controlled drugs or self-care, and permits pharmacists to delegate testing tasks to supervised interns or technicians. The bill also requires health insurers to cover these pharmacist-provided services if they would be covered if performed by a physician or nurse practitioner. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
HB 1308 would allow registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses to delegate medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel in outpatient clinic settings, but only for patients with stable and predictable health conditions. The bill requires nurses to provide direct, in-person supervision, retain full accountability for patient care, and ensure unlicensed staff are properly trained, competent, and able to perform tasks safely. It mandates that delegations be person-specific, prohibits delegation for certain medications, and requires clinics to have formal policies for such practices. The bill also specifies that nurses must document training and can rescind delegation if patient conditions change or safety concerns arise.
HB 1415 establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for anesthesiologist assistants in Mississippi, requiring them to obtain a license from the State Board of Medical Licensure to practice. It mandates completion of an accredited education program, passing a certification exam, and working exclusively under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who delegates specific duties. The bill prohibits unlicensed practice, imposing criminal penalties for violations, and authorizes the Board to grant, revoke, or reinstate licenses based on disciplinary actions. This directly affects anesthesiologist assistants, defining their scope of practice and ensuring oversight by supervising physicians.
SB 2553 would have allowed certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in Mississippi to practice as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) without needing a written collaborative or consultative agreement with a physician. Currently, Mississippi law (Section 73-15-5(4)) requires all APRNs, including CNMs, to maintain such agreements with physicians. The bill specifically amended Section 73-15-20 to exempt CNMs from this requirement, permitting them to operate independently within their scope of practice. This change would directly affect licensed certified nurse midwives seeking to provide care without physician oversight agreements.
SB 2450 amends Mississippi's nursing law to exempt certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists (all advanced practice registered nurses) from needing a collaborative relationship with a physician after completing 3,600 practice hours. The bill allows these nurses to count hours worked before the law's effective date toward the 3,600-hour requirement. It also updates definitions to include advanced practice registered nurses in the law's purpose, disciplinary actions, and scope of practice provisions. This change would reduce regulatory barriers for experienced advanced practice nurses in Mississippi.
HB 1461 would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Mississippi to sign death certificates if they provided the primary care for the patient's condition leading to death or were covering for the patient's regular provider. It would also authorize APRNs to sign POLST (Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) orders for patients under their care, which document end-of-life treatment preferences. The bill amends specific sections of Mississippi law to expand APRNs' scope of practice in death certification and end-of-life care planning. These changes would directly affect APRNs and the patients they serve in medical settings.
