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SB 1732

Relating to the prescribing and ordering of Schedule II controlled substances in a narcotic drug treatment program by certain advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bryan Hughes

Texas bill expands opioid treatment prescribing rights to nurse practitioners and physician assistants to increase addiction treatment access in underserved areas.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#medicine&prescriptiondrugs(s7338) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #nurses&nurseaides(s2704) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #physicianassistants(s0081) #physicians(s1282)
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Bill Summary · SB 1732

Legislative bill overview

SB 1732 expands prescribing authority for Schedule II controlled substances in narcotic drug treatment programs to include advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs), roles previously restricted to physicians. The bill allows these healthcare providers to prescribe, order, and manage opioid medications like methadone and buprenorphine within licensed treatment facilities.

Why is this important

This addresses workforce shortages in addiction treatment services, particularly in underserved rural areas where physician availability is limited. Expanding prescriber eligibility could increase patient access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which is considered the gold standard for opioid use disorder management and has strong evidence for reducing overdose deaths and improving treatment outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Oversight and safety concerns: Critics may worry about consistency in treatment protocols and patient safety without clear standardized training or supervision requirements for APRNs and PAs in this specialized area
  • Scope of practice debates: Medical associations may resist expansion of prescribing authority, arguing that opioid treatment complexity requires physician-level training and responsibility
  • Implementation details: The bill lacks specifics on whether APRNs/PAs need addiction medicine certification, supervision protocols, or continuing education requirements in narcotic treatment programs

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

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