Beginning on January 1, 2014, the Texas Board of Nursing is requiring that any LVN, RN, or APRN whose practice includes older adult or geriatric populations shall complete at least a two-hour course on older adult or geriatric care in every licensure cycle [Board Rule 216.3(h)]. The content must include information on: elder abuse; age-related memory changes; age-related disease processes, including chronic conditions; and end of life issues. This course meets that requirement.

Our aging population is increasing in size as elders face age-related diseases and chronic conditions as well as memory changes and challenges. With some facing increasing dependence, older adults may become vulnerable to elder abuse, which Texas mandates reporting by healthcare professionals. Finally, end of life can be eased by palliative care and/or hospice.