The bill proposes the transition of the nurse aide certification program from the Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Board of Nursing. It mandates the development of an operational plan for this transition, which must be submitted by December 1, 2026, to key state officials and legislative committees. Additionally, the bill establishes a workgroup under the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies to assess the alignment of certification and career pathways for nurse aides, medication aides, and personal care technicians, with a report due by the same deadline.

Furthermore, the bill creates a Gold Ribbon Panel on the Future of Nursing, overseen by the Texas Board of Nursing, to review current nursing program standards and accreditation requirements. This panel will consist of up to 13 members appointed by the governor, representing various sectors of the nursing profession. The panel is tasked with gathering stakeholder input through public hearings and will submit its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2026. The act is set to expire on January 1, 2027, and will take effect on September 1, 2025.