H.B. No. 879 is a legislative act aimed at facilitating the licensing of certain military veterans as healthcare providers in Texas. The bill introduces new provisions in the Occupations Code, specifically adding Sections 155.012, 204.159, and 301.262, which outline the criteria for veterans seeking to obtain licenses to practice medicine, as physician assistants, and as nurses, respectively. To qualify, applicants must be licensed in good standing in another state, be veterans who left military service within the past year, have served on active duty, be authorized to treat military personnel or veterans, have been honorably discharged, and have passed the relevant jurisprudence examination.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that licenses cannot be issued to applicants who are currently under investigation for misconduct or have a history of disciplinary actions or felony convictions. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to streamline the process for veterans transitioning into civilian healthcare roles, thereby leveraging their skills and experience in serving the community.

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