Introducing PAPN TX New Board Members and Legislative Wrap-Up

Dear Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Texas Members: 

I hope that you are enjoying your time this summer.  We are excited to announce our incoming PAPN Texas Board Members for 2023-2025.  We also want to give you a brief summary of the legislative bills most closely associated with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners / Clinical Nurse Specialists and the status this legislative season. 

Please welcome our incoming (as of July 1st) President-Elect, Lisa Anderson, Secretary William Tudor, and Treasurer Ayla Naughton.  We also welcome our new Regional Representatives for 2023-2024.  Austin Hill Country will be represented by Stacy Hobbs, the El Paso / Big Bend will be represented by Maria Arellano Mendoza, Houston / Gulf Coast by Kelly Kearney, Panhandle/Plains area by Wanda Hilliard, and San Antonio / South Plains by Denise Canchola.  We are very fortunate to have so many remarkable PMHNPs joining our hard-working PAPN TX Board.  Please see the updated PAPN Texas Board on our website.  Many thanks to those of you who exercised your right to vote. 

Our new board members will participate in our annual board retreat which provides an invaluable opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and strategize our path forward for the upcoming year and beyond.  The board also plays a vital role in developing a budget and evaluating the offerings that bring value to our membership.  Our board meets diligently on a monthly basis to address the administrative aspects of our organization.

Our legislative representatives, Justin Cullers and Stella Logan, have worked diligently to keep us apprised of any relevant bills and the progress made.  Many board members contacted legislators, attended meetings at the Capital, wrote letters, articles, e-mails and educated the public and legislators about the benefits – and needs – of PMH-APRNs.   We have worked closely with Texas Nurse Practitioners and NLAC (Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition).  The following report is prepared by Stella Logan. 

• SB 1700 removing delegation requirements did not get a committee hearing this year.  The TMA was very active in opposing this bill, and it never made it to the committee agenda.  
• HB 1190 to expand the ability of APRNs to prescribe schedule II medications.  This modified bill was passed to allow APRNs to prescribe schedule II medications as part of a hospital facility-based practice, for hospice type care or as part of a narcotic drug program.  It was referred to the HHS Committee of the Senate after passing in the house.  
• HB 2635/SB 1343 increasing APRN Representation in the BON ensuring that concerns regarding APRNs is adequately represented was approved and signed by the Governor.
• HB 724/SB 161 requiring regulatory agencies to refer any complaints for a licensed individual to the appropriate board of jurisdiction.  Passed the Senate and was referred to the House Public Health Committee.  It was left pending in committee.  
• SB 25 relating to funding for nursing and graduate nursing education funding in Texas passed and was sent to the Governor for signing.  
• Bill (SB763) was passed in the House and Senate that allows chaplains to serve as employees or volunteer mental health providers in schools.  There is no educational or certification requirements for chaplains included in the bill, with the bill’s author indicating that the school districts can determine qualifications.  This is in stark contrast to rigid state requirements for licensed school counselors and social workers who traditionally provide these services.  Given the need for qualified mental health professionals in schools and communities, this is concerning.      

There are some specific laws relating to PMHNPs that are perhaps not as relevant to other NPs that limit access to care.  2025 is the next legislative season but the work begins now.    PAPN Texas will be asking for your help in educating the public and legislators about the important role we play in providing high quality, evidence-based psychiatric care for Texans.  It is important that we work together as a group and individuals to facilitate change.  Your contributions and engagement are vital to shaping the future of our organization and ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our members.  

We appreciate your continued support and commitment.  Together, we can achieve great things. 

Take care,

Sherry Grogan, APRN, PMHNP-BC

PAPN Texas President