Rep. Shofner introduces bill to improve healthcare in East Texas

NACOGDOCHES – Advanced Practice Registered Nurses could soon have full practice authority in rural East Texas according to our news partner KETK.

Rep. Joanne Shofner filed HB 2532 on Feb. 6 that would allow APRNs to practice as independent practitioners. The bill will give APRNs the ability to treat health problems and prescribe medications (including controlled substances).

APRNs’ tasks include treating and diagnosing illnesses, manages chronic disease, advising the public on health issues and engaging in ongoing education to remain ahead of any developments. APRNs have a master’s degree, or higher, while a registered nurse only has standard education and licensing. In order to qualify, APRN’s must apply to the Texas Board of Nursing and pay an application fee. The deadline for the fee will vary by program and school. An advanced practice registered nurse can assess patients, diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, but Curran believes a patient’s safety can still be compromised.

“Their training hours are somewhere in the thousand range, for physicians for training a family physician who’s going to rural Texas is at least 20 to 25,000 hours of training,” Curran said.

Shofner’s bill has not yet reached the second stage. The Texas Board of Nursing is required to adopt implementing rules by Feb. 1, 2026 with the law taking effect on Sep. 1 if it’s passed.