Type of Intervention: Executive Order
Sectors Involved: Civil Defence, Health
Intervention Categories: Legal and policy; Regulatory change
Level of Jurisdiction: Texas
Lead People/Agency: Governor of the State of Texas
Overview: Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain regulations allowing for an expedited licensing reactivation process for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in Texas. Under these waivers, an APRN with a license that has been inactive for more than two years, but less than four years, will not have to pay a reactivation fee, complete continuing education credits, or complete the current practice requirements. For APRNs with a license that has been inactive for more than four years, the reactivation fee and continuing education requirements will be waived.
Full details here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-removes-licensing-barriers-for-advance-practice-registered-nurses
Type of Justification: Predicted cause-effect
Evidence/Justification: This follows an action that Governor Greg Abbott made on March 14, where he directed the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and the Texas Board of Nursing (TBN) to fast-track the temporary licensing of out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, certain retired physicians, nurses, and other license types to assist in Texas’ response to COVID-19. Governor Abbot said: “Our frontline healthcare workers play a crucial role in Texas’ response to COVID-19, and we are working to reduce barriers for former nurses who are ready and willing to serve in our communitiest.” “By expediting the process for APRNs to reactivate their license, Texas is allowing more healthcare professionals to reenter the workforce and assist in our effort to combat COVID-19.”