Bill Name: House Bill 3889 (HB 3889)

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Elizabeth Campos

Status: 3/26/2025 Referred to Public Health

AmSpa’s Take: As advanced practitioners including PAs, NPs and other APRNs gain more autonomy and independence nationwide, there has been a growing movement to attempt to restrict or limit their practice. This bill would limit advanced practitioners’ ability to see patients and be more restrictive than current rules allow. Additionally, it would make Texas one of the more restrictive states for advanced practitioners.

Analysis: Currently, Texas advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) such as nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA), can see new patients and prescribe treatment for them. Both PAs and NPs work pursuant to a prescriptive authority agreement with a physician who oversees their practice. The newly introduced House Bill 3889 (HB 3889), if passed, would limit advanced practitioners to prescribing only after the physician has seen and examined the patient.

This bill is very unusual. In Texas, as in most states, advanced practitioners are allowed to see new patients and prescribe appropriate medications for them when authorized by a prescriptive authority agreement with a physician. HB 3889 would only allow PAs and APRNs to prescribe for existing patients of the physician. The bill uses the language of the physician having an “established physician-patient relationship.” Establishing this relationship can be done in several ways, including by telemedicine, but it typically forms following a consultation or exam once the physician agrees to treat the patient. If adopted, HB 3889 would make Texas one of the most restrictive states for PA and APRN prescribing.

We will be monitoring this bill as it works its way through the session. If you would like additional information, to read the bill or to contact the sponsors, you can find what you need through this link: HB 3889.