H.B. No. 2532 seeks to enhance the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Texas by providing clearer definitions and expanding their roles. The bill includes nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists under the term "advanced practice registered nurse." It grants APRNs the authority to practice independently in certain settings, particularly in rural or medically underserved areas, contingent upon meeting specific application and fee requirements. Furthermore, the bill outlines the prescribing authority for APRNs, allowing them to prescribe a variety of medications, including controlled substances, under the supervision of the Texas Board of Nursing, which is also tasked with establishing rules for licensing and continuing education.

In addition to these provisions, the bill amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code and the Occupations Code to clarify the roles of APRNs and physician assistants (PAs) in healthcare delivery. It mandates hospitals to inform elderly patients about pneumococcal and influenza vaccines and allows APRNs and PAs to prescribe and order drugs and devices, ensuring they are treated equally to primary care physicians in medical assistance programs. The bill introduces new language permitting APRNs to order durable medical equipment and supplies, and it prohibits health maintenance organizations from denying APRNs and PAs provider status in their networks if they meet quality care standards. The bill also includes deletions, such as the previous definition of "advanced practice nurse," and emphasizes the responsibilities of practitioners in prescribing medications, with implementation rules required by the Texas Board of Nursing by February 1, 2026, and an effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 301.002, Occupations Code 301.005, Occupations Code 301.152, Occupations Code 301.303, Education Code 38.151, Education Code 38.211, Education Code 38.225, Education Code 61.601, Estates Code 502.002, Government Code 671.001, Health and Safety Code 161.0052, Health and Safety Code 401.504, Health and Safety Code 481.002, Health and Safety Code 157.0511, Health and Safety Code 481.076, Health and Safety Code 481.0767, Health and Safety Code 483.001, Health and Safety Code 483.022, Health and Safety Code 301.358, Health and Safety Code 773.0145, Human Resources Code 32.024, Human Resources Code 32.03141, Human Resources Code 42.067, Insurance Code 843.312, Insurance Code 1452.051, Labor Code 408.025, Occupations Code 157.051, Occupations Code 203.002, Occupations Code 551.003, Occupations Code 157.0511, Occupations Code 563.053, Occupations Code 605.002, Occupations Code 605.2515, Occupations Code 1701.703 (Education Code 61, Insurance Code 1452, Health and Safety Code 481, Human Resources Code 42, Insurance Code 843, Occupations Code 301, Health and Safety Code 157, Occupations Code 1701, Health and Safety Code 773, Occupations Code 551, Government Code 671, Estates Code 502, Health and Safety Code 161, Health and Safety Code 301, Labor Code 408, Health and Safety Code 483, Education Code 38, Occupations Code 203, Occupations Code 563, Occupations Code 605, Health and Safety Code 401, Human Resources Code 32, Occupations Code 157)