Review Practice Agreements In Texas

Review Practice Agreements In The State Of Texas Identi

Review practice agreements in the state of Texas; identify whether Texas requires physician collaboration or supervision for nurse practitioners, and if so, what those requirements are; research the following: how do you get certified and licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Texas; what is the application process for certification in Texas; what is Texas state’s board of nursing website; how does Texas define the scope of practice of a nurse practitioner; what is included in the state of Texas practice agreement; how does one get a DEA license in Texas; does Texas have a prescription monitoring program (PMP); how does Texas describe a nurse practitioner’s controlled-substance prescriptive authority, and what drug schedules are nurse practitioners authorized to prescribe; explain the types of regulations that exist and the barriers that may impact nurse practitioner independent practice in Texas; and describe what surprised you from your research.

Paper For Above instruction

Texas has historically maintained a regulated environment for nurse practitioners (NPs), with specific requirements for supervision and collaboration with physicians. As of recent legislative updates, Texas exemplifies a state that requires physician involvement in the practice of nurse practitioners, although the degree of oversight has evolved to a more collaborative model. This regulatory framework has significant implications for NP autonomy, affecting practice scope, prescriptive authority, and administrative procedures. Understanding these nuances is vital for NPs practicing within Texas to ensure compliance and optimal patient care delivery.

To become certified and licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Texas, candidates must first earn an APRN certification through a nationally recognized certifying body, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The licensure process involves submitting an application to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), verifying certification, providing evidence of educational qualifications, and paying requisite fees. The Texas BON’s official website (https://www.bon.texas.gov) offers detailed application instructions, forms, and resources for prospective APRNs.

In terms of scope of practice, Texas defines it broadly but under specific limits set by state law and regulations. NPs can perform comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning; order and interpret diagnostic tests; and prescribe medications within their scope, contingent upon their collaboration agreements. Practice agreements are formal documents that outline the working relationship between NPs and collaborating physicians. These agreements are required for NPs to practice independently and typically specify the areas of collaboration, supervision, or consultation required for various aspects of care.

Regarding DEA licensing, NPs in Texas must apply for a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances legally. The application involves submitting required forms, providing licensing verification, and paying fees. Once authorized, NPs can prescribe scheduled drugs consistent with their prescriptive authority, which Texas defines in the context of federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations. Texas has a Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), administered through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which tracks prescriptions of controlled substances to prevent misuse and diversion.

Texas describes a nurse practitioner's controlled-substance prescriptive authority as dependent on their certification, collaboration agreements, and DEA registration. NPs are permitted to prescribe various schedules of controlled substances, generally up to Schedule II, with specific limitations. The state emphasizes that prescriptive authority is sincere and must be exercised within the scope defined by law, with supervision or collaboration requirements involving qualified physicians.

Regulations governing NPs in Texas include licensing, scope of practice, prescribing protocols, and collaborative agreements. Barriers impacting independent practice include the statutory requirement for physician collaboration, which can restrict autonomous decision-making and limit access to care, especially in underserved areas. These legal constraints create barriers to full independent practice, affecting workforce mobility and service delivery.

What surprised many researchers about Texas regulation is the extent to which state law maintains oversight despite national trends toward full practice authority for NPs. While there have been moves toward more independence, the continued necessity for formal collaboration agreements remains a significant barrier to autonomous practice, contrasting with other states that have deregulated NP scope of practice.

References

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). State practice environment. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Using telehealth to expand access to essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/telehealth.html
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019). National provider identifier standard. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment/npi
• Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Registration. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/index.html
• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. (n.d.). Nurse practitioner core competencies. https://www.nonpf.org/page/CoreCompetencies
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Competencies. (2003). National Panel for Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Competencies. https://www.nonpf.org
• Zakhari, R. (2021). The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification review manual. Springer Publishing Company.
• Stewart, J. G., & DeNisco, S. M. (2019). Role development for the nurse practitioner (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Texas Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Licensure & Certification. https://www.bon.texas.gov
• Texas Department of Public Safety. (n.d.). Prescription Monitoring Program. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/medical-request