The Texas Medical Board (TMB) is charged with licensing physicians and enforcing the Texas Medical Practices Act. During the 2007 session and interim, TMB has been under intense legislative scrutiny for administrative, enforcement, and licensure issues. Last session, lawmakers increased the agency’s appropriation by $3.4 million — to $18.4 million for the biennium — so it can better manage the backlog of license applications. In exchange, the board was directed to cut the average processing time for a new license to 51 days. TMB reports it has met this goal and initiated an online application process to further speed up licensure.
Medicine’s Agenda for 2009
Support establishing a new program to address the needs of illness-impaired physicians and other licensed health care providers that TMB oversees. The Texas Physician Health Program would be modeled on the longstanding and successful program for impaired attorneys sponsored by the State Bar of Texas.
Support legislation to require TMB and other licensing boards to abide by the decisions of the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) in disciplinary matters.
Support the involvement of TMB and other professional licensing agencies in cooperation with law enforcement to address illegal drug use and illegal use of prescriptions for narcotics and other controlled substances.
Oppose efforts that would require the licensure of pain clinics; this would be both inappropriate and ineffective.
If you have been subjected to a TMB Inquiry Letter or TMB Disciplinary Process, then please contact the Fort Worth Texas Medical License Defense Attorney Dr. Shezad Malik. For a no obligation, free case analysis, please call 817-255-4001 or Contact Me Online.