Writing your credentials. . . . .

How to Write Your NP Credentials, New Rules

In honor of back-to-school week, we’re bringing you a “Texas Nursing Rules Refresher.” In February 2019, the Board of Nursing adopted §221.2 on APRN Titles and Abbreviations to align their rules with the APRN Consensus Model. This means there’s a new way to list your credentials, and it’s time to switch out your professional signatures if you’re still using the “RN” credential.

According to the new rules, a Texas licensed APRN shall, at a minimum, use the designation "APRN" and the APRN licensure title, which consists of the current role and population focus area granted by the Board (example: APRN, FNP-BC). It will no longer be sufficient to only use the “RN” credential in combination with your role and population focus area (example: RN, FNP-BC). The amendment also clarifies that unlicensed persons may not imply that they are APRNs.

APRNs may include other credentials indicating educational preparation, certifications, and honors (example: DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAAN). However, there are no Texas rules requiring these additional credentials or regarding the ordering of these credentials. Please see guidelines from AANC and AANPCB here on recommended ways to order your credentials.

Wondering if there are other recently adopted rules you’re missing? Check out TNP’s Rules and Regulation page here. We keep you updated on rule changes in our Capitol Watch and will update the website as new rules come into effect.