Bill > SB911

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for expanding the practice authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Texas, specifically nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. Under the new law, APRNs who meet specific educational and clinical practice requirements can obtain authorization to practice as independent practitioners, with an expanded scope that includes ordering diagnostic tests, formulating medical diagnoses, treating health problems, prescribing therapeutic measures, and serving as primary care providers. To qualify, APRNs must have completed at least 3,000 clinical practice hours within five years, graduated from an accredited graduate-level program with specific coursework in physiology, health assessment, and pharmacology, and passed a national certification examination. The bill also grants these APRNs the ability to prescribe a wide range of medications, including controlled substances in Schedules II through V, with some restrictions for Schedule II medications, which can only be prescribed in specific hospital or hospice settings. Additionally, the bill requires APRNs practicing under this new authorization to complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years, including 10 hours in pharmacology, and mandates that they practice according to established professional standards while maintaining accountability for patient care. The legislation aims to expand healthcare access by allowing these advanced practice nurses to function with greater autonomy in the Texas healthcare system.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB911