Texans for Healthcare Access Applauds SB 3055, Hearing in Senate State Affairs Committee

Bipartisan Legislation Will Expand Access to High-Quality Care

AUSTIN, TX – In a major step toward addressing Texas's rural healthcare shortages, the Senate State Affairs Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 3055, a bipartisan proposal that could significantly expand access to primary care in medically underserved rural communities across the state.

SB 3055, filed by Senators Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) and César Blanco (D-El Paso), would allow qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice independently in rural areas where provider shortages are limiting access to timely and essential care. If passed, the bill would eliminate outdated restrictions and allow APRNs to serve patients.

“We thank Senators Middleton and Blanco for their dedication to solving our state’s health care access challenges and applaud the Senate State Affairs Committee for hearing this critical piece of legislation," said Erin Perez, president of Texas Nurse Practitioners. “SB 3055 is not just a policy improvement—it's a lifeline for thousands of Texans. This bill would help address the healthcare access crisis occurring in rural communities, providing access to APRNs who are educated, safe, and highly trained to care for Texas patients. It's time we give them the ability to serve where they are needed most.”

“Senate Bill 3055 is about ensuring rural Texans can get the care they need, when and where they need it. It’s about saving lives, strengthening communities, and using our healthcare workforce efficiently and wisely,” said Melanie Richburg, CEO of Lynn County Health Care System and TORCH Board Member. 

“TORCH supports SB 3055 because it will improve health access and provider retention in the most underserved parts of the state,” said John Henderson, president and CEO of TORCH.

“This issue is urgent. In Texas, physicians who provide primary care, like family medicine, are in severely short supply, especially in rural areas,” said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “Many patients have long waits for needed services. And as the population ages, the shortages continue to grow. Nurse practitioners can fill the gaps in access. By ending unnecessary restrictions, older Texans and their families would benefit from allowing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to contribute to the full extent of their capabilities.”

“For many Texans in rural communities, healthcare access isn't just limited—it's nonexistent. SB 3055 is the Legislature's chance to bring real, immediate relief to Texas families,” Perez continued.

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Texans for Healthcare Access is a coalition of organizations representing consumers, business, and a broad range of healthcare stakeholders. These groups have joined forces to remove unnecessary barriers to care and allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to provide more access and more options for Texas patients. Learn more here.