Texas House Bill HB1411

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/18/23

Caption

Relating to persons considered practitioners for purposes of prescribing certain drugs and devices.

Impact

The introduction of HB1411 is significant as it modifies existing law to potentially increase the number of professionals legally permitted to prescribe medication. By allowing certain advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to prescribe dangerous drugs under physician oversight, the bill aims to address healthcare access issues, especially in underserved areas. Supporters advocate that the bill will facilitate quicker patient care and expand treatment possibilities, particularly in critical areas like mental health and chronic disease management.

Summary

House Bill 1411 aims to amend the definition of 'practitioner' within the Health and Safety Code, specifically regarding the prescribing of certain dangerous drugs and devices. The bill proposes that practitioners can include advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants who have been delegated authority by a supervising physician. This change reflects a broader trend towards recognizing the roles of various healthcare professionals in providing patient care, ensuring the seamless access to necessary medications and treatment options.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB1411 appears positive among healthcare advocates, who view the bill as a necessary step towards enhancing healthcare service delivery. Those in favor argue that the proposed changes will alleviate the burden on primary care physicians, allowing them to focus on more complex cases while empowering other qualified practitioners to manage standard prescriptions. However, concerns linger among some within the medical community about the potential for overprescription and the adequacy of training for those newly empowered to prescribe.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance of care and oversight. Critics express fears that expanded prescription rights could lead to cases of inadequate oversight from supervising physicians, potentially compromising patient safety. Additionally, there are discussions about the adequacy of training for those who will gain prescriptive authority under the new provisions. The debate reflects broader issues in the healthcare profession regarding the scope of practice and the need for comprehensive training and monitoring of patient safety in prescribing practices.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 483. Dangerous Drugs
  • Section: 001

Occupations Code

• Chapter 157. Authority Of Physician To Delegate Certain Medical Acts
  • Section: 0511
  • Section: 0512
  • Section: 054