S.B. No. 2181 seeks to enhance the regulation of health professionals in Texas by amending existing laws related to advertising and billing practices. The bill changes the heading of Subchapter E, Chapter 101 of the Occupations Code to "Certain Practices Related to Advertising and Billing Prohibited," and introduces new definitions regarding false, misleading, or deceptive advertising. It specifically prohibits misrepresentation of health care professionals' credentials and requires 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 for each infraction, with each day a violation continues counting as a separate offense. Additionally, it restricts the use of certain terms in postgraduate health education program names unless intended for specific licensed professionals.

Moreover, the bill amends laws concerning the titles and designations of nursing professionals in Texas, introducing definitions for various nursing roles and stipulating that licensed nurses cannot use the title "doctor" without a Texas Medical Board license. It mandates that nurses wear a clearly legible insignia identifying their professional designation while in public. The legislation also prohibits nurses from engaging in false or deceptive advertising, ensuring that all advertising is truthful and verifiable. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, applying only to conduct occurring after that date.

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 204, Occupations Code 104, Occupations Code 101, Occupations Code 165, Occupations Code 301)