The bill amends Section 157.0512 of the Occupations Code to clarify the conditions under which a physician can delegate the authority to prescribe or order controlled substances or dangerous drugs to an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or physician assistant (PA). Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (a-1) that stipulates that a physician may not delegate this authority unless it is authorized through a prescriptive authority agreement. Furthermore, it specifies that the APRN or PA can only prescribe or order such substances for patients with whom the delegating physician has an established physician-patient relationship.

The bill also modifies the existing language in subsection (a) to emphasize the requirement of adequate physician supervision in the delegation process. The changes aim to ensure that the prescribing of controlled substances and dangerous drugs is conducted within a structured and supervised framework, thereby enhancing patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the physician-patient relationship. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 157.0512 (Occupations Code 157)