H.B. No. 2038, known as the Decreasing Occupational Certification Timelines, Obstacles, and Regulations (DOCTOR) Act, seeks to simplify the process for foreign medical license holders to obtain provisional licenses to practice medicine in Texas. The bill introduces a new section, 155.1015, allowing the Texas Medical Board to issue provisional licenses to applicants who meet specific criteria, such as holding a medical degree, being licensed in good standing in another country, completing residency training, passing the Texas medical jurisprudence examination, and securing employment in Texas. These provisional licenses are valid for two years and can be renewed if the licensee passes required examinations and holds a valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new subchapter, E, under Chapter 155 of the Occupations Code, which regulates "physician graduates." It allows for limited licenses to practice medicine under a supervising agreement with a sponsoring physician, emphasizing the importance of supervision and public safety. Physician graduates are restricted to practicing in counties with populations under 100,000 and must disclose their status to patients. The bill also outlines requirements for license renewal, including verification of practice under supervision and completion of continuing medical education. The Texas Medical Board is responsible for implementing these provisions by January 1, 2026, with the bill taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1451.001, Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155.201 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155, Insurance Code 1451)
House Committee Report: Insurance Code 1451.001, Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155.201 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155, Insurance Code 1451)
Engrossed: Insurance Code 1451.001, Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155.201 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155, Insurance Code 1451)
Senate Committee Report: Insurance Code 1451.001, Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155.201 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155, Insurance Code 1451)
Enrolled: Insurance Code 1451.001, Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155.201 (Subchapter C, Chapter , Insurance Code 155, Insurance Code 1451)