89R16147 JTZ-D
By: Hall S.B. No. 2422
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to investigations and disciplinary or punitive action by
the Texas Medical Board regarding certain treatments or practices
regarding COVID-19 and to the required expungement of certain
records.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 153, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 153.017 to read as follows:
Sec. 153.017. LIMITATION ON INVESTIGATIVE AND DISCIPLINARY
AUTHORITY. The board may not investigate or take disciplinary or
other punitive action against a person regulated by the board for:
(1) prescribing or advocating for the use of
ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, or budesonide in the prevention or
treatment of COVID-19;
(2) making statements regarding the efficacy of masks
in preventing the transmission of COVID-19; or
(3) failing to wear or require others to wear masks
intended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in connection with
the person's practice, other than in areas where it was customary to
wear masks before the COVID-19 pandemic.
SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2025, the Texas
Medical Board shall:
(1) review its records and expunge any record created
on or after January 1, 2020, related to the investigation of or
disciplinary or other punitive action taken against a person
regulated by the board if the record contains any of the following
words:
(A) budesonide;
(B) hydroxychloroquine;
(C) ivermectin; or
(D) mask; and
(2) in connection with each record expunged under
Subdivision (1):
(A) vacate any disciplinary action imposed and
rescind any other punitive action taken by the board;
(B) refund, out of existing funds, all fines
collected from the person and dismiss any unpaid fines; and
(C) reimburse, out of existing funds, the person
for all legal fees incurred as a result of the investigation or
disciplinary or punitive action.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.