Removing Physicians from the Care Team Comes at a Cost

As Texas looks ahead to the 90th Legislative Session, policymakers will once again face important questions about scope of practice and the future of physician-led care.

The data highlighted in the attached analysis provides an important reminder: expanding scope of practice without physician involvement can come with real costs—for patients and for our healthcare system.

An October 2022 Stanford University study comparing nurse practitioners practicing without physician involvement to physicians in the emergency department found that NPs used more resources and achieved worse outcomes, particularly when treating complex patients.

The study found increased costs of emergency care, more preventable hospitalizations, and longer emergency department stays. Based on current NP staffing allocation in the emergency department studied, the analysis estimated an additional $74 million in annual costs.

For TX400, the takeaway is straightforward: Texas should focus on policies that strengthen physician-led, team-based care—not policies that remove physicians from the care team.

Patients deserve a healthcare system built around quality, safety, accountability, and appropriate physician oversight.

As we prepare for the 90th Legislative Session, TX400 will continue working to educate policymakers and advocate for policies that put patients—and patient safety—first.

THE FOUNDING 400

This year, we're building the next chapter of TX400 through our Founding 400 — a coalition of 400 physicians and advocates committed to building a stronger, more effective physician-led voice at the Texas Capitol.

A $400 contribution supports TX400's advocacy, legislative engagement, physician outreach, member communications, and coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

Our goal: 400 members standing together for Texas patients.

JOIN TX400

Physician-led. Patient-focused. Texas strong.

Thank you for being part of TX400 and for standing with physicians across our state as we work to protect Texas patients.