The Texas Medical Board (TMB) is making rules related to one of the Texas Medical Association’s biggest legislative wins from 2017: The ban on discrimination based on maintenance of certification (MOC).
TMA, as always, is working to ensure the board’s proposal comports with the proper practice of medicine and the new law, and is making recommendations to the board.
Senate Bill 1148 by Sen. Dawn Buckingham, MD (R-Lakeway), (above) prohibits TMB from using MOC as a requirement to obtain or renew a medical license. The bill also generally prohibits health plans and hospitals from discriminating against physicians based on their MOC status. The bill was signed in June and took effect Jan. 1.
In the Jan. 19 edition of the Texas Register (beginning on page 310), the board proposes four rules changes related to physician licensure and registration to clarify they align with the requirements of SB 1148.
“While the Board has never required compliance with specialty certification board maintenance of certification programs as a condition of licensure [or as a condition of registration renewal], proposed amendments are made … to clarify that fact,” TMB says in the rules proposal.
In its letter, TMA offered additional suggestions that would:
- Increase licensure flexibility,
- Further clarify the board’s intent to comply with SB 1148, and
- Ensure the rules provide necessary guidance to physicians.
TMA submitted its comments on the proposal last month. More information on the MOC law can be found in TMA’s new white paper.
Last Updated On
March 02, 2018
Originally Published On
March 02, 2018