This week marked a significant development in Texas health policy as Speaker Dustin Burrows released interim charges for the Texas House—setting the stage for legislative priorities ahead of the 90th Legislative Session. Interim charges guide the work of House committees between sessions, directing lawmakers to study key issues, hold hearings, and develop recommendations that often become the foundation for future legislation. In short, what gets studied now often gets passed later.
For Texas Nurse Practitioners, some of the most important activity will occur in the House Public Health Committee, where several charges align directly with TNP’s policy priorities. Most notably, Charge 6 directs lawmakers to examine Texas’ growing health care workforce shortage and identify solutions to improve access to care and service delivery across the state.
As demand for care continues to outpace provider supply, this charge creates a clear opportunity to advance full practice authority as a proven, cost-effective solution. Nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to expand access—particularly in rural and underserved areas—and ensuring lawmakers understand this role will be critical in shaping policy recommendations during the interim.
Charge 2, which focuses on the Rural Health Transformation Program, further underscores the Legislature’s attention to access, workforce stability, and provider sustainability. Alongside additional charges on telehealth, public health trends, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, these priorities reflect a broader push toward innovation and system efficiency.
In addition to these charges, Speaker Burrows announced the creation of a new Select Committee on Health Care Affordability, chaired by Representative James Frank, signaling a strong legislative focus on cost drivers, transparency, and system reform.
TNP will remain actively engaged and keep members informed as public hearings on these charges move forward. Read the full list of House interim charges here.
