TITLE: Relating to the authority of certain physicians and nurses to practice in this state.

SUMMARY: Relating to the authority of certain physicians and nurses to practice in this state.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the authority of certain physicians and nurses to practice in this state. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 155, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Eto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER E. RECOGNITION OF OUT-OF-STATE LICENSE Sec. 155.201. AUTHORITY TO PRACTICE. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a person may practice medicine in this state without obtaining a license under this subtitle if the person is licensed in good standing as a physician in another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for a license under this subtitle. (b) Before engaging in the practice of medicine in this state, the person must: (1) notify the board of the person's intent to practice in this state; and (2) receive from the board confirmation that: (A) the board has verified the person's license in the other jurisdiction; and (B) the person is authorized to engage in the practice of medicine in accordance with this section. (c) The person shall comply with all other laws and rules applicable to the practice of medicine in this state. (d) The board shall adopt rules to implement this section. The rules must establish a process for the board to: (1) identify the jurisdictions that have licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for a license under this subtitle; and (2) verify that a person is licensed in good standing in a jurisdiction described by Subdivision (1). (e) The board may not impose a fee on a person seeking to engage in the practice of medicine under this section. SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 301, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 301.2515 to read as follows: Sec. 301.2515. RECOGNITION OF OUT-OF-STATE LICENSE. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a person may practice nursing in this state without obtaining a license under this chapter if the person is licensed in good standing as a nurse in another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for a license under this chapter. (b) Before engaging in the practice of nursing in this state, the person must: (1) notify the board of the person's intent to practice in this state; and (2) receive from the board confirmation that: (A) the board has verified the person's license in the other jurisdiction; and (B) the person is authorized to engage in the practice of nursing in accordance with this section. (c) The person shall comply with all other laws and rules applicable to the practice of nursing in this state. (d) The board shall adopt rules to implement this section. The rules must establish a process for the board to: (1) identify the jurisdictions that have licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for a license under this chapter; and (2) verify that a person is licensed in good standing in a jurisdiction described by Subdivision (1). (e) The board may not impose a fee on a person seeking to engage in the practice of nursing under this section. SECTION 3. (a) Not later than December 1, 2021, the Texas Medical Board shall adopt the rules required by Section 155.201, Occupations Code, as added by this Act. (b) Not later than December 1, 2021, the Texas Board of Nursing shall adopt the rules required by Section 301.2515, Occupations Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.