Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB305

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Nursing and to the regulation of the practice of nursing.

Impact

The legislation introduces notable changes in how the Texas Board of Nursing oversees nursing education programs, particularly concerning schools of nursing in other states. It permits the board to recognize and accept nursing programs that meet substantially equivalent standards from other states while establishing clear guidelines to address scenarios where such schools may not meet Texas’s standards. This is expected to facilitate cross-state nursing practice and improve accessibility to nursing education for Texas residents.

Summary

SB305 is a significant legislative measure aimed at the continuation and enhancement of the Texas Board of Nursing's functions and the overall regulation of nursing practice within the state. One of the core provisions of the bill is to ensure that the Texas Board of Nursing adheres to the Sunset Act, which mandates periodic evaluation of state agencies. As per this bill, the board must be continued in existence beyond the previously set expiration date of September 1, 2017, now pushed to September 1, 2029. This extension allows the board to focus on adapting its operations and strategies to meet modern healthcare challenges.

Contention

Despite its advantages, SB305 does not come without contention. Critics argue that while the provision to monitor advanced practice registered nurses' prescribing patterns is essential for patient safety, it could lead to excessive scrutiny if not implemented wisely. Legislative discussions have highlighted concerns regarding the board's rulemaking powers, particularly that the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators should not override Texas’s established scope of practice requirements. Additionally, there are worries that the compact could dilute regulatory rigor, placing public safety at risk.

Companion Bills

TX HB2950

Identical Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Nursing and to the regulation of the practice of nursing.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2726

Relating to the practice of nursing, including disciplinary procedures of the Texas Board of Nursing; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1565

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX SB1351

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX HB1530

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1445

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1343

Relating to the composition of the Texas Board of Nursing and procedures applicable to complaints against advanced practice registered nurses.

TX SB1424

Relating to the continuation and functions of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee.

TX SB1397

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Similar Bills

TX HB2950

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Nursing and to the regulation of the practice of nursing.

MI HB4246

Health occupations: nurses; nurse licensure compact; enact. Amends secs. 16170a, 16222, 16231, 16238 & 17201 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16170a et seq.) & adds secs. 16187, 17225 & 17225a.

MI HB4935

Health occupations: nurses; nurse licensure compact; enact. Amends secs. 16170a, 16222, 16231, 16238 & 17201 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16170a et seq.) & adds secs. 16187, 17225 & 17225a.

AZ SB1334

Advanced practice nurses; compact

AZ SB1295

Advanced practice registered nurses; compact

AZ HB2310

Advanced practice registered nurses; compact

HI SB3104

Relating To The Nurse Licensure Compact.

HI HB2158

Relating To The Nurse Licensure Compact.