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Bill

HB 2038

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.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Liz Campos and 5 co-sponsors

Texas authorizes new medical practice licenses and requires insurers to let patients select certain license holders, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#decreasingoccupationalcertificationtimelines #obstacles #andregulations(doctor)act(p51bp) #intergovernmentalrelations(i0447) #medicalboard #texas(v0644) #military&veterans(i0535) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #physicians(s1282)
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Bill Summary · HB 2038

Legislative bill overview

HB 2038 authorizes the Texas Medical Board to issue new occupational licenses for practicing medicine and allows insured individuals to select certain license holders under their health insurance policies. The bill establishes fee structures for these new licenses and grants patients expanded choice in selecting their healthcare providers within their insurance plans.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects healthcare access and consumer choice in Texas by potentially creating new pathways for medical practice and giving patients more autonomy in selecting their providers. The expansion of licensing categories could increase competition in the healthcare market, potentially affecting healthcare costs, quality standards, and the supply of available practitioners.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and qualification standards: The bill's specific requirements for the new license categories are not detailed here, raising questions about whether these practitioners will have equivalent training and oversight compared to traditionally licensed physicians
  • Insurance market implications: Requiring insurers to allow patients to select certain license holders could increase claims costs and administrative complexity, potentially affecting insurance rates and coverage availability
  • Patient safety and consumer protection: Expanding license types without clear public understanding of credentials and qualifications could lead to confusion about practitioners' actual training and expertise

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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