Texas Register Table of Contents
Texas Board of Nursing
Proposed Rules
Eliminates the failure of an individual to repay a student loan from the enumerated list of acts that constitute unprofessional conduct
CHAPTER 217. LICENSURE, PEER ASSISTANCE AND PRACTICE22 TAC §217.12Introduction. The Texas Board of Nursing (Board) proposes amendments to §217.12, concerning Unprofessional Conduct. The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code §56.003 and Senate Bill (SB) 37, enacted by the 86th Texas Legislature, effective June 7, 2019.SB 37 prohibits agencies from taking disciplinary action, including denial and licensure suspension, against an individual’s license based upon the individual’s default or breach of a student loan repayment contract. The proposed amendments are necessary to conform to this statutory change. Specifically, the proposal eliminates the failure of an individual to repay a student loan from the enumerated list of acts that constitute unprofessional conduct, for which an individual may be disciplined.
Texas Board of Nursing
Proposed Rules
CHAPTER 222. ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES WITH PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY22 TAC §222.5Introduction. The Texas Board of Nursing (Board) proposes amendments to §222.5, concerning Prescriptive Authority Agreement. The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code §157.0512(e) and (f) and House Bill (HB) 278, enacted by the 86th Texas Legislature, effective September 1, 2019.HB 278 simplifies the existing statutory requirements related to prescriptive authority agreements by eliminating the necessity of face-to-face meetings between a delegating physician and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and requiring monthly meetings between the parties. The proposed amendments are necessary to conform to these statutory changes.A prescriptive authority agreement is still required to specify the general process for communication and sharing of information between the parties related to the care and treatment of patients. Further, the periodic meetings between the parties must still include the sharing of information related to patient treatment and care, needed changes in patient care plans, issues relating to referrals, and discussion of patient care improvement. However, HB 278 allows the parties to determine the manner in which the meetings will take place and only mandates monthly meetings. Parties are still permitted, of course, to meet face-to-face and more frequently than once a month if they choose to do so.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
In Addition
Public Notice – Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance Amendment Effective September 1, 2019
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announces its intent to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment is effective September 1, 2019.The proposed amendment will provide increased Medicaid inpatient reimbursement rates to rural hospitals, update the definition of a children’s hospital and create a new SDA add-on for children’s hospitals. This new SDA add-on, called the Children’s Hospital Supplemental add-on, will be effective for inpatient hospital discharges occurring after August 31, 2019, and before September 1, 2020.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
In Addition
Public Notice – Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance Amendments Effective September 1, 2019
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announces its intent to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendments are effective September 1, 2019.The purpose of the amendments is to update the fee schedules in the current state plan by adjusting fees, rates, or charges for Personal Care Services, Private Duty Nursing Services, and Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy services effective September 1, 2019 included in the following:for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services (EPSDT);Physicians and Other Practitioners; andHome Health Services.