The Decreasing Occupational Certification Timelines, Obstacles, and Regulations (DOCTOR) Act aims to simplify the medical licensing process in Texas, particularly for foreign medical professionals and military veterans. It introduces a provisional license for foreign medical license holders who possess a medical degree, are licensed in good standing abroad, and have a job offer in Texas. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for granting medical licenses to military veterans who have recently exited service, provided they hold a valid license from another state and pass the Texas medical jurisprudence examination.

The bill also creates a new category of limited licenses for "physician graduates," who will practice under the supervision of licensed physicians. Key provisions include the requirement for physician graduates to disclose their training status to patients, practice only under a certified sponsoring physician, and adhere to a supervising practice agreement. The Texas Medical Board is tasked with implementing these changes, including the establishment of a "whitelist" of countries with acceptable licensure requirements, with rules to be adopted by January 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes amendments to the Insurance Code allowing insured individuals to select physician graduates for covered services starting with policies renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

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