The Texas Board of Nursing convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss significant legislative updates and budgetary changes that will impact nursing practices across the state. This meeting highlighted the outcomes of the recent legislative session, which ran from November 12, 2024, to June 2, 2025, during which a total of 9,014 bills were filed, including 22 that aimed to amend the Nursing Practice Act.

Key amendments to the Nursing Practice Act were presented, with three notable bills receiving attention. House Bill 879, introduced by Representative James Frank, mandates the Board of Nursing (BON) to issue licenses to applicants who are veterans, retired or separated from military service within the past year, provided they have passed the jurisprudence exam. This change aims to streamline the licensing process for veterans entering the nursing workforce.

Senate Bill 25, sponsored by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, requires the BON to implement rules by December 31, 2026, that will incorporate continuing education on nutrition for nursing professionals. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of nutrition in patient care.

Additionally, Senate Bill 920, introduced by Senator Kevin Sparks, allows school district employees, including nurses, to administer non-prescription medications to students without prior authorization from a healthcare provider, provided that parents or guardians have submitted a written request. This bill aims to facilitate timely access to necessary medications for students while ensuring proper labeling and dosage.

The meeting also addressed budgetary matters, with the approval of a budget bill allocating $34.7 million in total funds, marking an increase of $3.8 million. This budget includes funding for 15 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to enhance the agency's regulatory response to Operation Nightingale, a program aimed at improving nursing oversight and compliance. Furthermore, the budget allocates $600,000 for more accurate representation of agency receipts and $400,000 for statewide salary adjustments.

The report presented during the meeting, organized from pages 5 to 20, outlines bills that may necessitate rulemaking, development of FAQs, or further consultation with staff regarding agency operations.

Overall, the discussions at this meeting underscore the Texas Board of Nursing's commitment to adapting to legislative changes and enhancing nursing practices, which will ultimately benefit both healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. As the board moves forward, the implementation of these new laws and budgetary provisions will be closely monitored to ensure their effectiveness and compliance.