Bill > SB881

This bill, known as the Decreasing Occupational Certification Timelines, Obstacles, and Regulations (DOCTOR) Act, introduces three main provisions for medical licensing in Texas: 1) A new provisional license pathway for foreign medical graduates with employment offers, allowing them to practice medicine in Texas if they meet specific criteria such as having a medical degree, being licensed in good standing in another country, having substantial medical practice experience, passing required examinations, and being authorized to work in the United States; 2) A special medical license for military veterans who were physicians during active duty, with certain restrictions on those discharged for misconduct; and 3) A new "physician graduate" license category for recent medical school graduates, which allows them to practice medicine under a supervising physician's agreement. The bill also amends insurance code to permit insureds to select physician graduates for services within their licensed scope. The Texas Medical Board is required to develop rules for implementing these new license types, including creating a "whitelist" of countries whose medical training meets specific standards. The provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, with the insurance policy changes applying to policies delivered or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB881