Senate committee hears divided testimony on bill to let experienced APRNs practice without physician delegation

The Senate Committee on State Affairs spent most of its hearing on Senate Bill 3055, a proposal to let certain advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) practice without a physician delegation in many rural Texas counties, with debate sharply divided between supporters who said the change would expand access to care and opponents who warned it would amount to a de facto expansion of medical practice.

Proponents said the bill is a targeted access measure for rural areas and keeps patient safety intact because APRNs would still be licensed and nationally certified. Erin Bettis, a nurse practitioner and University Health System clinician, told the committee, “SB 3055 does not change scope. If this bill passed, my colleagues in rural Texas would be doing the same exact job tomorrow as they are doing today. Nurse practitioners practice advanced practice nursing, not medicine.” Supporters also cited earlier pandemic waivers and the experience of 27 states that have removed delegation requirements as evidence independent practice can be safe and increase provider supply.

Opponents from the physician community argued the bill changes who performs…