Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee

The Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee was created by Act 412 of 2021. This legislation provides a pathway to full practice authority for Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP). Legislative changes in 2023 (Act 872) expanded Full Independent Practice to Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). The Committee accomplishes this by reviewing the applications submitted by CNPs and CNSs who apply for full independent practice authority.

Pursuant to ACA §17-87-314(e) the responsibilities of the Committee are:

Review and approve or deny all applications for a certificate of full independent practice authority for CNPs and for renewal of a certificate of full independent practice authority;
Review complaints made against CNPs and CNSs who have a certificate of full independent practice authority;
Review recommendations made by the Arkansas State Medical Board and the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and notify the CNP or CNS of any action taken by the Committee based on the recommendations;
Hold a hearing if the action taken is suspension or revocation of the certificate of full independent practice authority; and
Provide reports quarterly and upon request regarding the number of applicants approved and denied to the Senate and House Committees on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.

Members

The Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee is an eight-member committee created within the Arkansas Department of Health and appointed by the Governor. Committee members serve three-year terms, but not more than two consecutive terms. The committee shall consist of the following members:

Three (3) faculty physicians from each of the following institutions:
- The College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- The Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith
- The New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro
One (1) physician from the state at large
Three (3) faculty CNPs from nursing programs in the state
One (1) CNP from the state at large

The Director of the Arkansas State Medical Board and the Director of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing serve as ex officio nonvoting members.

Mitzi Scotten, MD
Position: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine – Fort Smith
Appointed: 9/1/21

Donna Shipley, MD
Position: AR College of Osteopathic Medicine – Fort Smith
Appointed: 9/1/21

William Hawkins, MD
Position: At-Large
Appointed: 9/1/21

Darlene Byrd, DNP, APRN
Position: UAMS
Appointed: 9/1/21

Leonie DeClerk, PhD, DNP, APRN
Position: UAMS
Appointed: 9/1/21

Mark Foster, DNP, APRN
Vice Chair
Position: ASU
Appointed: 9/1/21

Julia Ponder, DNP, APRN
Chair
Position: At-Large
Appointed: 9/1/21

Meetings

October 29, 2024

Minutes

Resources

Act 412 of 2021 allows a pathway for certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) or clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) to apply for full independent practice after having practiced 6,240 hours under a collaborative practice agreement.

Applications shall be submitted through the Arkansas Nurse Portal. Once all required documents have been received, applications will be sent for review by the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee (FIPCC). The FIPCC will meet at least quarterly to review applications.

Instructions to Access the Application:

Sign in to the Arkansas Nurse Portal account.
Scroll down to the “Other Applications” section.
Click the “Apply” button.
Click on Full Practice Authority for CNPs/CNSs
- Complete the application by following the instructions.
- Upload any required documents.
  - Two letters of recommendation
  - Submit completed and notarized Practice Hours Affidavit (signed by a collaborating physician(s)).
  - Evidence of five (5) advanced pharmacology continuing education hours obtained within the last two (2) years.
  - Resume or curriculum vitae showing past work history as an APRN.
- Click submit.
- Pay the required fee.
After submission, ASBN staff will review the application for all required documents. Requests for additional information or documents will be requested through the Arkansas Nurse Portal Message Center.
The Full Practice Authority Credentialing Committee meets quarterly to review applications. Once the application has been approved or denied, the APRN will receive a letter from the committee through the Nurse Portal Message Center.
Until approval has been received, the APRN is required to maintain a current collaborative practice agreement.

Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee

Boards & Commissions