Bill > SB3055

This bill, known as the Healthcare Expanded and Accessed Locally for Texans (HEAL Texans) Act, introduces significant changes to the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Texas. The bill expands the practice authority for certain APRNs, allowing them to practice more independently in rural counties with populations under 68,750. To qualify for this expanded practice, APRNs must meet specific requirements, including having at least 10 years of practice or 20,000 hours of experience, maintaining national certification, and holding advanced nursing degrees. The bill increases the number of advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants a physician can enter into a prescriptive authority agreement with from seven to nine. It also mandates new reporting requirements for both APRNs and physicians, including annual reports detailing practice locations, patient numbers, and any instances of controlled substance prescriptions. Additionally, the bill requires the Texas Board of Nursing to conduct a comprehensive study by September 1, 2028, examining the impact of these changes on rural healthcare access, patient outcomes, and healthcare costs. The expanded practice provisions aim to address healthcare shortages in rural Texas by allowing APRNs more autonomy in providing primary care services.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB3055