H.B. No. 3194 amends the Texas Occupations Code regarding the grounds for denial of a nursing license or disciplinary action by the Texas Board of Nursing. The bill updates Section 301.452(b) to include new provisions that expand the reasons for which a nursing license may be denied or disciplinary action may be taken. Specifically, it adds a new clause that prohibits taking photographs of a patient with a personal electronic device without consent and disseminating those photographs on social media. Additionally, the bill modifies the existing language by removing the previous clause regarding the failure to care adequately for a patient, replacing it with a broader standard that emphasizes the risk of harm to patients.

The changes introduced by this bill will only apply to conduct occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Any conduct that takes place before this date will be governed by the law in effect at that time, ensuring that previous standards remain applicable for past actions. This legislative update aims to enhance patient protection and uphold professional standards within the nursing practice in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 301.452 (Occupations Code 301)