Dr. Antay Waters, nurse practitioner and member of Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP), joined Texarkana Talks this week to unpack the growing crisis in rural healthcare—especially across East Texas.
In the interview, Dr. Waters described how hospital closures, provider shortages, and restrictive practice laws have left many rural Texans struggling to access even basic healthcare. She highlighted the new Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) as a critical opportunity for Texas to rebuild its rural health infrastructure and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
Dr. Waters emphasized that nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to close care gaps through NP-led clinics, telehealth, and integrated behavioral health services. She also urged policymakers to remove outdated regulations that keep NPs from practicing to the full extent of their education and training.
“Nurse practitioners aren’t a future solution — we’re already here,” said Dr. Waters. “Texans deserve local, high-quality care led by providers who know their communities best. Texas has the chance right now, with OBBBA funding, to make this transformation a reality for rural communities.”
