TX
Texas Senate Bill SB881

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB881

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

Impact

The enactment of SB881 could significantly alter the landscape of medical practice licensing within Texas. By allowing foreign medical graduates who meet certain criteria to practice under provisional licenses, the state may enhance its healthcare workforce rapidly. This could address pressing public health needs, particularly in underserved areas. Additionally, the bill amends the existing statutes governing medical practice to include measures for the ongoing supervision of provisional license holders, contributing to quality assurance in medical practices.

Summary

SB881, known as the DOCTOR Act, seeks to streamline and expedite the licensing process for foreign medical graduates and military veterans seeking to practice medicine in Texas. The bill mandates the Texas Medical Board to issue provisional licenses to applicants who meet specific educational and professional criteria, including having been licensed in good standing in another country and having a job offer in Texas. This approach not only aims to address the physician shortage but also facilitates smoother integration of foreign-trained medical professionals into the Texas healthcare system.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB881 has raised some points of contention among stakeholders. Critics argue that the bill might compromise the quality of medical care by allowing practitioners without traditional residency training to operate in the healthcare setting. Proponents counter that the rigorous criteria set forth in the proposal ensure that only qualified individuals will be granted provisional licenses. Furthermore, the inclusion of veterans as eligible applicants has sparked dialogue about the best ways to honor and integrate military experiences in civilian healthcare roles.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 155. License To Practice Medicine
    • Section: New Section

Insurance Code

  • Chapter 1451. Access To Certain Practitioners And Facilities
    • Section: 001
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB2038

Identical Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2556

Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB5074

Relating to the issuance of a license to practice medicine to certain applicants licensed or educated in a foreign country.

TX HB2551

Relating to the licensing and regulation of associate physicians and the authority of an insured to select an associate physician under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license.

TX HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB1340

Relating to the licensing of certain military veterans as health care providers to practice in underserved areas.

TX HB173

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX SB484

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1683

Relating to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact; authorizing fees.

TX SB1540

Relating to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact; authorizing fees.

TX HB2274

Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

TX HB2038

Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB2556

Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB1685

Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

AZ SB1108

International medical licensees; provisional licensure

TX SB2695

Relating to an education program to enable certain students to practice medicine in certain rural counties and to physician delegation of certain medical acts to advanced practice registered nurses, including in certain rural counties.