TAPA helps PAs win BIG this week at the Capitol.

As we enter the final 45 days of the 88th Legislative Session, we're excited to update you on TAPA's achievements in advocating for the PA profession in Texas!

These efforts could not have happened without the work by TAPA's Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) and the TAPA PAC. The TAPA PAC plays a vital role in supporting candidates and lawmakers who champion the PA profession during the election cycle. By being a member of TAPA, your membership dollars have fueled the LAC's efforts to ensure high-quality patient care and promote the value of PAs during the legislative session. 

Read on to discover how TAPA is making a difference and providing value to your membership!

PAs Celebrate Victory at the Capitol

Thanks to TAPA's collaboration with AAPA, NCCPA, the bill author, and our lobby team, we successfully worked together to address concerns around HB 2551 (Shaheen), specifically around the integrity of PA Licensure. Due to these efforts, this bill was removed from the hearing docket this week.

Tracking & Influencing Legislation

TAPA is committed to protecting your interests and maintaining the high standards of patient care provided by PAs. We're currently tracking 56 bills that could impact the PA profession and have submitted formal stances on several crucial bills. Our advocacy efforts include opposing SB 1193, supporting HB 112, HB 454, and HB 4300 to promote PAs' rights and well-being in the workplace.

Advancing Key TAPA Legislative Priorities

TAPA is taking a proactive role in driving positive change for the PA profession and ensuring you can deliver high-quality care. We're actively sponsoring four critical legislative initiatives to bolster the PA practice in Texas and are pleased to provide updates on their progress:

• HB 1190 (Klick) - Expanding Schedule II Prescriptive Authority for PAs: Currently pending in committee; TAPA will engage with lawmakers to emphasize PAs' responsible role in opioid prescription management. We will continue to advocate for the PA profession.
• HB 2544 (Campos) - PA Interstate License Compact: this bill is in the calendars committee awaiting a hearing in the house. TAPA is preparing testimony, organizing a grassroots campaign, and getting ready for the Senate hearing once the bill passes out of the House.
• HB 2882 (Cortez) - PA Practice Management Bill: Anticipated to have hearings in the coming weeks, with bill teams preparing for testimony and Calls to Action to support progress.
• HB 4028 (Plesa) - Modernization of the Texas PA Board: Also expected to have hearings in the coming weeks, with bill teams preparing for testimony and Calls to Action to support progress.

Your Involvement Matters

The bill is currently in the House Calendars committee Awaiting approval before heading to the House Floor. TAPA's lobbying team is engaging with the calendars committee to advocate for a hearing in the near future. If you so choose, we encourage you to send an email to the members of the House Calendars Committee asking them to schedule HB 2544 for a hearing. 

Your membership and involvement are crucial to TAPA's success. If you haven't already done so, by joining TAPA, you'll be part of a community dedicated to promoting the PA profession and ensuring the best possible patient care for Texans. Your support helps us to:

• Advocate for PAs' rights and professional growthProvide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education.
• Strengthen our collective voice and positively impact healthcare in Texas.
• Don't miss out on the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the PA profession in our state. Join TAPA today and consider donating to our PAC to further our mission!

Thank you for your continued support of TAPA and our advocacy work! 

An earlier version of this newsletter incorrectly stated that HB 2544 (Campos) was set for a hearing in the Texas House chambers this week. We regret to inform you that this information was inaccurate.