89R9063 SCL-F By: Lalani H.B. No. 2639 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to preauthorization determinations conducted by physicians of the same specialty as the requesting physician or health care provider. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 4201, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 4201.254 to read as follows: Sec. 4201.254. PREAUTHORIZATION DETERMINATION BY PHYSICIAN OF RELEVANT SPECIALTY REQUIRED. (a) In this section, "preauthorization" has the meaning assigned by Section 4201.651. (b) A preauthorization determination must be made by a physician who is of the same specialty as the physician or health care provider proposing to provide the service or recommending the provision of the service. SECTION 2. Section 4201.254, Insurance Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a request for preauthorization of health care services made on or after January 1, 2026. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.