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HB 1942

Relating to the participation of an advanced practice registered nurse as a participating or preferred provider for health maintenance organizations and preferred provider benefit plans.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Briscoe Cain and 4 co-sponsors

Texas bill requiring HMOs and PPOs to include advanced practice registered nurses as in-network providers to expand healthcare access and reduce patient out-of-pocket costs.

Left pending in committee
#healthmaintenanceorganizations(s0853) #healthcareproviders(i0387) #insurance--health&accident(i0422) #nurses&nurseaides(s2704) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540)
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Bill Summary · HB 1942

Legislative bill overview

HB 1942 would require health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs) to allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to participate as in-network providers. Currently, these insurance plans may exclude APRNs or treat them differently than physicians, limiting patient access to their services and forcing patients to seek out-of-network care.

Why is this important

This affects healthcare access and costs for Texas residents. APRNs—including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse anesthetists—provide primary and specialty care in many settings. Requiring their inclusion in insurance networks could expand provider availability, potentially reduce patient costs through in-network coverage, and address provider shortages in underserved areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry concerns: Insurers may argue this mandate increases administrative costs and limits their ability to negotiate provider networks based on quality metrics or cost controls
  • Scope of practice questions: Disagreement over what services APRNs should be permitted to provide independently versus under physician supervision, affecting the types of cases they can handle in-network
  • Quality and credentialing standards: Debate over whether APRNs meet the same credentialing requirements as physicians for insurance purposes, and whether differential standards are justified

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

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