Texas Regulatory Resources

Greg Abbott, Texas Governor, has ordered regulatory changes in response to the COVID-19 emergency. These changes include:

Allowing phone and audiovisual consults for new patients

In response to the COVID-19 emergency:

“Governor Abbott approved TMB's request to temporarily suspend Texas Occupation Code 111.005 (a)-(b) and Title 22, Chapter 174.6 (a)(2)-(3) of the Texas Administrative Code. The Texas Medical Board asserts that strict compliance with these laws could prevent, hinder, or delay timely delivery of necessary medical services in relation to efforts to cope with the declared disaster…

Pursuant to this development, the following new procedures are in effect during the declared disaster period

• Allowing Phone Consults. Telemedicine, including the use of telephone only, may be used to establish a physician-patient relationship. This expanded use of telemedicine may be used for diagnosis, treatment, ordering of tests, and prescribing for all conditions. The standard of care must be met in all instances.”

A Frequently Asked Questions document regarding this change has been published by the TMB.

Additional information on regulatory changes in response to the COVID-19 emergency can be found on the Texas Medical Board's website.