This story is part of “Critical Condition,” a series investigating Texas’ rural health care crisis. Read Part 1 here.
Carole Ward, a 66-year-old nurse practitioner who lives in Hedley, ran the Memphis health clinic from 2005 until she retired and the clinic closed in 2017. The clinic offered limited services, but it was better than nothing. In the two years since, Hall County officials have been trying to reopen it, with some advocates suggesting loosening restrictions placed on mid-level practitioners such as Ward. Under Texas law, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can render medical services under the supervision of a licensed physician. In late July, the Observer sat down with Ward to talk rural health care, running a small health clinic, and her decision to leave the facility.
Texas Observer: Is there a shortage of health providers in this part of rural Texas?
