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Bill

Bill

HB 1266

Relating to expedited credentialing of certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses by managed care plan issuers.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ryan Guillen

Expedited credentialing for PAs and APNs in Texas managed care plans reduces administrative delays to increase patient access to qualified healthcare providers.

Referred to Health & Human Services
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Bill Summary · HB 1266

Legislative bill overview

HB 1266 streamlines the credentialing process for physician assistants (PAs) and advanced practice nurses (APNs) by managed care plans in Texas, allowing expedited verification of qualifications rather than requiring full recredentialing. The bill aims to reduce administrative delays when these healthcare providers join insurance networks or change employment.

Why is this important

Faster credentialing directly affects patient access to care—delays in credentialing can leave qualified providers unable to see insured patients for weeks or months. This is particularly significant in underserved areas where PAs and APNs often provide primary care services. The measure could reduce healthcare costs by minimizing administrative overhead that insurers pass to consumers.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Critics may worry that expediting credentialing could bypass quality oversight mechanisms, though the bill likely still requires verification of licenses and credentials
  • Insurance company burden: Managed care plans may argue they need full credentialing processes to manage liability and network quality standards
  • Incomplete legislative history: The bill's recent passage on 4/30 followed immediate first reading on 5/1, making it unclear what amendments or conditions were attached during committee review

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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