Bill Caption

Relating to a study and report regarding streamlining physician licensing requirements for advanced practice registered nurses.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 2011 would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to "collaborate with at least one institution of higher education, the Texas Medical Board, and the Texas Board of Nursing" to conduct a study on the feasibility of developing a pilot program to streamline the requirements for an advanced practice registered nurse to become eligible to attain a license to practice medicine.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 2011 which is in alignment with limited government and free market principles. In light of Texas' years-long struggle with physician shortages and access to health care in rural areas, the legislature is right to consider utilization of non-physician providers like nurse practitioners to a much greater degree. Texas is among the most restrictive states when it comes to regulating advanced-practice nurse practitioners, despite many other states allowing such practitioners to provide a much more vital role in the health care of their residents. Because this bill would lead toward streamlining the process for APRNs to become licensed to practice medicine, we support SB 2011.