Texas House Bill HB3890

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/25

Caption

Relating to the authority of a physician to supervise or delegate the prescribing or ordering of a drug or device to a physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse.

Impact

If passed, HB3890 would have significant implications for the healthcare landscape in Texas. By enforcing stricter supervision and delegation rules, the bill seeks to enhance patient care by ensuring that only those physicians with substantial experience in a given specialty can supervise the treatment prescribed by other medical professionals. This shift could lead to higher standards for patient care and may help to improve the quality of medical services provided in specialized fields.

Summary

House Bill 3890 addresses the authority of physicians concerning the supervision and delegation of prescribing or ordering prescriptions for drugs or devices by physician assistants (PAs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The bill stipulates that a physician cannot supervise or delegate this authority if the PA or APRN is practicing in a specialty that is outside of the physician's residency training or primary medical practice unless the physician has at least five years of prior experience in that specialty. This measure aims to clarify the boundaries of practice for PAs and APRNs as they interact with physicians across various medical specialties.

Contention

The proposed bill may face opposition from various healthcare stakeholders who argue that the restrictions could hinder the collaborative practice models that currently exist between physicians, PAs, and APRNs. Critics of the bill may contend that the five-year experience requirement is overly burdensome and could limit access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas where medical professionals are scarce. The discussions around this bill could lead to debates regarding the balance between ensuring appropriate medical oversight and allowing healthcare professionals the flexibility to provide care in diverse settings.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

• Chapter 157. Authority Of Physician To Delegate Certain Medical Acts
  • Section: 0511