Bill > HB2038

This bill, known as the Decreasing Occupational Certification Timelines, Obstacles, and Regulations (DOCTOR) Act, introduces two primary provisions for medical licensing in Texas: a new provisional license for foreign medical graduates and a new limited license for recent physician graduates. For foreign medical license holders, the bill establishes a pathway to obtain a two-year provisional medical license with specific requirements, including having a medical degree, being licensed in good standing in another country, completing a residency, passing required examinations, and having employment in Texas. The license is restricted to certain practice settings and may be renewed with additional limitations. For recent physician graduates, the bill creates a limited license allowing practice only in counties with populations under 100,000, requiring a supervising physician agreement, and mandating patient disclosure about the graduate's training status. The bill also amends insurance code to allow insureds to select physician graduates for services within their license scope, with these provisions taking effect for insurance policies delivered or renewed after January 1, 2026. The Texas Medical Board is required to adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026, and the act itself becomes effective September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2038