Full Practice Letter Writing Campaign: We Need Your Voice!

Last week, Representative Stephanie Klick filed full practice authority bill, H.B. 1792, which would remove costly, antiquated regulatory barriers to nurse practitioners and help expand access to care for Texans. Since the bill was introduced, physician opponents have been inundating legislative offices with calls, emails, and in-person visits. We need to respond to this opposition, and make sure legislators understand the truth about nurse practitioners and what H.B. 1792 would mean for Texas.
 
If you are a TNP Member - be sure to look in your email about an action item or login to TNP's website Grassroots Action Center for more information. If you are not a member of TNP, please consider joining so that you can be informed on regulatory and policy issues that may impact your practice and have a voice in the changes that are being made! Join today. 

What does this year’s full practice bill do?

H.B. 1792 would:

• Remove regulatory barriers to APRNs by providing a pathway to full practice authority for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse midwives who have worked at least one year under physician delegation.
• Move APRNs to the exclusive regulatory authority of the Texas Board of Nursing.
• Increase biennial continuing education (CE) requirements from 20 contact hours (28 for APRNs prescriptive authority for controlled substances) to 48 contact hours, the equivalent of physician CE requirements.
• Make no other changes to APRN scope of practice. APRNs would continue to do what they are currently licensed and board certified to do. Those who graduate to full practice authority would simply be able to practice without having to obtain costly, burdensome delegation agreements with physicians.

How Can I Stay Informed?
During the Legislative Session and throughout the year, Texas Nurse Practitioners sends regular updates on bills and rulemaking activity impacting the nurse practitioner profession. Don’t miss out on these timely updates and calls to action. Become a member of your association today, and be in the know about changes that directly impact you.