The Texas Board of Nursing (formerly the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas) is enabled by the Nursing Practice Act. Tex. Occupations Code 301.001. It's responsibility is to regulate nursing and it's charge is the protection of the public health and welfare. It does this by licensing professionals, conducting investigations into potential violations of the Act and initiating hearings to adjudicate contested matters.
The Board is also responsible for accrediting schools of nursing.
It comprises 13 members. Of these 6 are nurse members, 3 are nurse faculty members and 4 are non-nurses to represent the general public. The members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Each serves for six years; the terms are staggered.
The Governor appoints a presiding officer. The members appoint an executive director. The board members may employ other personnel as necessary to carry out the functions of the board.
A quorum for transacting business is a majority of the board members three of which will be nurse members. An action will be carried if a majority of quorum members vote for it. Voting will not be allowed if there is a conflict of interest
The Board regulates Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse and Advanced Practice designations (RN, LVN and APN designations such as CNS or CRNA). It employs a staff consisting of departments from nursing practice and enforcement to a legal division. The enforcement division is responsible for investigating complaints under the auspices of the attorney's of the Texas Board of Nursing's General Counsel's office.
