Texas House Bill HB387

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to submission of reports by an advanced practice registered nurse under the workers' compensation system.

Impact

The impact of HB 387 on state laws is notable as it enhances the responsibilities and recognition of APRNs within the scope of workers' compensation. By permitting APRNs to sign work status reports, the bill streamlines the reporting process, potentially leading to quicker evaluations of injured employees' abilities to return to work. This change is expected to improve efficiency in the workers' compensation system while also ensuring that qualified healthcare providers can contribute meaningfully to the management of injured workers' care.

Summary

House Bill 387 addresses the submission of reports by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) under the workers' compensation system in Texas. The bill amends Section 408.025(a-1) of the Labor Code to allow treating doctors to delegate the authority to complete and sign work status reports to licensed APRNs. This representation emphasizes the recognition of APRNs in the healthcare system and their role in managing patient care within the context of workers' compensation claims.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 387 appears to be largely positive, with strong support from healthcare advocates and professionals who view the increased involvement of APRNs as a necessary step in modernizing healthcare delivery. There is a recognition of the value that APRNs bring to patient care, particularly in the workers' compensation space, where timely and accurate reporting is crucial. The legislative discussions suggest a consensus on the importance of leveraging the expertise of APRNs to enhance patient outcomes.

Contention

While the bill gained significant support, there may be underlying concerns regarding the delegation of responsibilities from treating doctors to APRNs. Some critics might fear that such delegation could lead to inconsistencies in patient care or accountability issues if proper protocols are not followed. However, the clear assignments of responsibility outlined in the bill aim to mitigate these concerns and maintain a robust system for managing workers' compensation claims.