Aransas County Court backs Texas Senate Bill 911 to improve nurse practitioner regulations

The Aransas County Commissioners Court convened on February 20, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on healthcare legislation affecting the region.

The meeting began with a motion to approve Resolution R-05-2025, which expresses support for Texas Senate Bill 911. This bill pertains to the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The motion received a second, indicating support among the commissioners.

A commissioner highlighted the importance of this resolution, noting that two years prior, the court had also backed similar legislation aimed at improving the licensing and regulation of APRNs. Although the House had passed the previous bill with a strong majority, it ultimately failed to progress out of the Health and Human Services Committee.

The current bill has been assigned to the Business and Commerce Subcommittee, and several commissioners plan to travel to Austin to engage with legislators about the bill in the coming days. The commissioner emphasized the critical need for more family practice health providers in Aransas County and across Texas, particularly in rural areas.

The discussion underscored the challenges faced by local residents in accessing healthcare, especially mental health services. The treasurer and Judge McGinnis had previously noted difficulties in securing appointments for mental health counseling due to a shortage of providers.

The proposed legislation aims to alleviate some of these challenges by allowing APRNs to practice independently, without the current requirement of a contractual agreement with a supervising physician. This requirement had been temporarily waived during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the necessity for more healthcare providers. However, it was reinstated post-pandemic due to lobbying by the Texas Medical Association.

The resolution's passage would signify the court's commitment to enhancing healthcare access in the community. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of supporting this legislative effort to address the ongoing healthcare provider shortage in the area.