Texas Columnist: "Legislature Shuts Door on Nurse Care"
San Antonio News business columnist David Hendricks spoke out in favor of a law allowing NP prescribing rights in Texas, which was shut down in the Texas Legislature this legislative session:
Despite better protections from malpractice lawsuits and lower malpractice premiums, Texas has a doctor shortage. Nevertheless, the Texas Medical Association took every step to ensure physicians will have a tight rein on the activities of well-trained nurses.
The requirement of physician supervision in Texas prohibits the expansion of retail health clinics for logistical reasons, further reducing access to health care. Unfortunately, Hendricks says, nothing will change until 2011, at the next Legislative session.