Texas Medical Board Proposed Rule Change

The Texas Medical Board (TMB) recently proposed a new rule that could dramatically impact the practice of APRNs in Texas across all settings – from hospitals in urban areas to the most remote rural clinics.

The rule proposal says:
§193.21.Delegation Related to Radiological Services...

(d) The following acts have been determined to be the practice of medicine under the authority of the Act, §157.001(b)(1), and cannot be delegated to a midlevel provider, certified radiological technologist (MRT and LMRT), or non-certified radiological technologist (NCT):
(1) the reading and interpretation of the radiological studies; and
(2) rendering a diagnosis based on the radiological studies.

Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists regularly use x-ray and other imaging for everything from mammography to broken bones. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists use fluoroscopy for central line placement and other procedures. Certified Nurse Midwives use ultrasound to ensure the health of mother and baby during pregnancy. By adopting this rule, physicians on the TMB are prohibiting an essential part of APRN practice and forcing their competition to practice blindfolded.

While almost all APRNs would be affected, APRNs who own or work in small and micro businesses will no longer be able to provide certain treatments. Rural communities that do not have a physician to read and interpret these studies will have to seek care elsewhere. 

TNP Members received a call to action on Friday. If you are a TNP member, be sure to check your email. If you didn’t receive it, feel free to email admin@texasnp.org. If you are not a TNP member and are interested in receiving these important updates that impact your profession. Join TNP today.