Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice

Our Mission

• To create a legal and regulatory climate in which Advanced Practice Nurses can use their full potential to improve the health and well being of all Texans; and
• To educate Advanced Practice Nurses and stakeholders about the legal boundaries of APN practice.

Current Information

Legislative Day - SAVE THE DATE

Registering Rx Delegation 

All physicians currently delegating prescriptive authority to an APRN must complete and submit a form to the Texas Medical Board. Starting August 1, 2010, Delegation Forms are ONLINE ONLY.  Click Here . 

NPs, CNSs & CNMs May Order Glucose Testing Supplies for Medicaid Clients

     For dates of service on or after November 1, 2009, glucose testing equipment and supplies for Medicaid clients no longer require a signed Home Health Services (Title XIX) DME/Medical Supplies Physician Order Form and may be provided based on a detailed written order. For the TMHP announcement and details, Click Here and scroll to page 29. To verify CNMs may order these supplies, Click Here.

Governor Signed Retail Clinic Bill, SB 532, on June 19th 

     Click Here to read about the final debate on SB 532 and details on the statutory changes that went into effect on September 1, 2009. 

Disabled Parking Placards: What APNs Must Know 

• On June 19, 2009, Governor Perry signed SB 1984 giving APNs limited authority to sign some medical verifications for disabled parking placards. Click Here to understand the limitations and get information you and your patients need.

DSHS Immunization Requirements for 2009  

• Click Here for essential information about 5 new school immunization requirements in Texas  

Resources on Use and Abuse of Prescription Medications

     This Texas State Board of Pharmacy Webpage contains essential information for all practitioners who prescribe pain medication.

Why does Medicare spend twice as much in McAllen Texas?

      Read this June 1, 2009 article from The New Yorker. Dr. Atul Gawande discovers why high quality care is often lower cost. While he does not identify the link, APNs will recognize the high quality systems as embodying the heart and soul of APN practice.     

81st Texas Legislative Session

• The Texas Legislature ended on June 1, 2009. Read More 
• 2009 Legislative Updates. Click Here
• Legislative Summary: Bills Enacted that Affect APNs. Click Here.

Closing the Gaps With Nursing Board-Granted Prescriptive Authority

• See the slide presentation

Controlled Substance Prescriptions Must Include DPS Number

• Since September 1, 2008, all prescriptions for controlled substances require the prescriber's Texas State DPS permit number, as well as the federal DEA number.  Read More.

Get Your NPI

All large health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, must exclusively begin use the National Provider Identifier (NPI). The NPI also identifies you as the ordering provider for diagnostic tests and health care services. For more information on obtaining your NPI, read the article.

Other Articles:

• Alert On DPS Permits for Controlled Substances
• APN Medicaid Rate is 92%