S.B. No. 2181 seeks to strengthen the regulation of health professionals in Texas by revising advertising and billing practices. The bill amends the heading of Subchapter E, Chapter 101 of the Occupations Code to "Certain Practices Related to Advertising and Billing Prohibited," replacing the previous focus on license revocation grounds. It introduces new definitions regarding false or misleading advertising, specifically prohibiting the misrepresentation of a health care professional's credentials and requiring that advertising includes the professional's name and identification. The bill also establishes administrative penalties for violations, allowing licensing boards to impose fines of up to $1,000 per violation, with each day of continued violation counting as a separate offense. Additionally, it restricts the use of terms like "residency" or "fellowship" in postgraduate program names unless intended for specific licensed professionals.

The legislation further clarifies titles and designations for various nursing professionals, including licensed vocational nurses and advanced practice registered nurses, and prohibits them from using the title "doctor" unless they hold a medical license. It mandates that nurses wear a clearly legible insignia identifying their designation while in public and outlines permissible information for the insignia. The bill also includes a new section that prohibits false or deceptive advertising by nurses, ensuring that all advertising is truthful and verifiable. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, aiming to enhance transparency and professionalism in the nursing field while protecting the public from misleading practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 101.201, Occupations Code 104.003, Occupations Code 104.005, Occupations Code 165.156, Occupations Code 204.203, Occupations Code 301.351 (Occupations Code 104, Occupations Code 165, Occupations Code 301, Occupations Code 101, Occupations Code 204)