The DOCTOR Act aims to streamline the medical licensing process in Texas, particularly for foreign medical graduates and military veterans. It introduces a provisional license for certain foreign medical license holders who have job offers in Texas, allowing them to practice while completing the licensing process. Eligibility criteria for these provisional licenses include educational qualifications, prior licensure in another country, and English proficiency. Additionally, the bill establishes a pathway for military veterans to obtain medical licenses based on their service and qualifications. A new category of limited licenses for "physician graduates" is also created, allowing them to practice under the supervision of a licensed physician, with specific requirements for supervising practice agreements.

The bill amends the Occupations Code and the Insurance Code, stipulating that physician graduates can only provide services in the specialty of their supervising physician and must disclose their status to patients. It holds sponsoring physicians legally responsible for the care provided by physician graduates and outlines identification requirements for these graduates. Furthermore, the Insurance Code is amended to allow insured individuals to select a physician graduate for covered services starting January 1, 2026, with the Texas Medical Board required to adopt necessary rules by that date. The act emphasizes oversight and accountability while ensuring patients are informed about their healthcare providers' qualifications, set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1451.001, Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155.201 (Insurance Code 1451, Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155)