Relating to the establishment of the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council and a workgroup on nursing career pathways and the abolition of the statewide health coordinating council and the nursing advisory committee of that council.

Contracts

• Loan Repayment Agreements: Audit all employment contracts offering state loan repayment assistance. If your contracts specifically reference the "Statewide Health Coordinating Council" as the designating authority for shortage areas, amend them immediately to reference the "Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council" or "state-designated shortage areas" to prevent enforceability disputes.
• Staffing Vendor Agreements: Review agreements regarding nurse aides and technicians. The new "Gateway Professions" focus may alter certification standards; ensure vendors are contractually obligated to meet *current* standards to avoid liability during this transition.

Hiring/Training

• Military Credentialing: HR Directors must update hiring protocols to flag applicants with military medical experience. The law mandates a pathway to credit military training toward nursing licensure; you may soon be able to fast-track these hires into higher-level clinical roles.
• Gateway Professions: Anticipate new clinical rotation requests. The state is prioritizing pathways for Nurse Aides and Techs. Facilities should prepare to expand clinical sites for these lower-level certifications to secure future workforce pipelines.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Data Collection: The law repeals the specific statutory authority for civil penalties regarding failure to report data (repeal of Chapter 104, Health & Safety Code). However, do not cease reporting. The enforcing agencies will likely integrate these data demands into mandatory licensure renewals.
• New Metrics: Configure HR information systems to track turnover rates, vacancy durations, and specific reasons for separation. The HPWCC is mandated to analyze "systemic causes" of shortages, and licensing boards will demand this granular data during your next renewal cycle.

Fees & Costs

• No Direct Fee Increases: The Fiscal Note indicates costs will be absorbed by the General Revenue Fund.
• Grant Eligibility Risk: Facilities currently receiving state workforce grants must verify they remain in a designated shortage area once the HPWCC publishes its new map in October 2026.