Volume 25, Issue 2

prescribe, under the agreement. In addition, it allows the naming of alternate supervising physicians.

• While the Texas Medical Board may not expand by rule the elements contained in a prescription authority agreement, the delegating physician MAY include more frequent QA meetings and other provisions that fit his/her practice style or patient needs.
• Physicians must update their delegation profile with the Texas Medical Board just as they do now under current law.
• Physicians in facilities and hospice only may delegate Schedule II prescribing authority. Each facility will govern such practices under the hospital’s medical staff bylaws, JCAHO standards and with the involvement of current policies related to the practices of the hospital pharmacy.
• The Texas Medical Board (TMB) and the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) shall devise mechanisms to share information related to their licensees on delegations, referrals for possible investigations and outcomes of disciplinary proceedings.

TMA and TAFP believe this bill is a step forward and maintains a strong adherence to medicine’s core principles. It drives both the authority and the responsibility for supervision to the physician who delegates prescribing privileges and allows that physician the flexibility to tailor the supervision to the needs of the practice.

It is not an independent practice bill for either APRNS or PAs. It is, in fact, a strong reinforcement of the evolving physician led, patient focused medical team. APRNs and PAs bring valuable knowledge and skills to the medical team model. They should practice to the level of their education and training within the laws of the state of Texas and to the extent they are credentialed at their institution or clinic. This will allow greater access for Texans to quality healthcare. Ultimately, the responsibility for coordinating, supervising and managing the medical team rests with the physician.

Link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/SB00406F.pdf#navpanes=0

In another scope win, SB 945 Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) and Representative Sarah Davis (R-Houston) passed and beginning Jan. 1, 2014, physicians and non-physicians must wear a badge displaying

1. The Provider’s first or last name;
2. The department of the hospital with which the Provider is associated;
3. The type of license held by the provider,
4. The Provider’s status as a student, intern, trainee, or resident.

With more practitioners pursuing doctorate degrees and using the title “doctor” this law will help patients know who is treating them and those practitioners’ qualifications, TMA leaders say.

Link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/SB00945F.pdf#navpanes=0