Bill > SB1700

This bill, the Healthcare Expanded and Accessed Locally for Texans (HEAL Texans) Act, amends the Occupations Code to expand the authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Texas. The key provisions include: - Defining advanced practice registered nursing and authorizing APRNs to order diagnostic tests, make diagnoses, treat health problems, prescribe drugs and devices (including controlled substances), provide referrals, serve as primary care providers, and perform other acts within their education and training. - Requiring the Texas Board of Nursing to establish rules for licensing and approving APRNs to prescribe and order drugs and devices. - Removing the requirement for APRNs to operate under physician delegation and supervision for prescriptive authority, making them licensed independent practitioners. - Making conforming changes throughout state law to recognize the expanded role and authority of APRNs, including in areas like Medicaid, insurance, and workers' compensation. The bill also includes transition provisions to implement the changes by February 2024.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB1700