S.B. No. 2480 amends the Texas Occupations Code to enhance the Texas Physician Health Program and regulate certain occupations more effectively. A key provision is the introduction of Section 153.017, which mandates the Texas Medical Board to conduct continuous queries on the National Practitioner Data Bank for all licensed individuals. This aims to ensure that the board has up-to-date information regarding any relevant disciplinary actions or reports against practitioners. Additionally, the bill establishes a new surcharge of up to $15 for various licensing and renewal fees to support the administration of this continuous query process.

The bill also revises existing sections related to fees and surcharges, including redesignating Section 153.053 as Section 167.014 and expanding the definition of "program participant" to include all individuals holding licenses regulated by the board. It emphasizes the confidentiality and non-disciplinary nature of the Texas Physician Health Program, allowing for self-referrals and requiring participation as a condition for maintaining licensure. The Texas Medical Board is tasked with implementing these changes by December 1, 2025, with the law taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 153.051, Occupations Code 153.055, Occupations Code 154.006, Occupations Code 167.001 (Occupations Code 153, Occupations Code 167, Occupations Code 154)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 153.051, Occupations Code 153.055, Occupations Code 154.006, Occupations Code 167.001 (Occupations Code 153, Occupations Code 167, Occupations Code 154)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 153.051, Occupations Code 153.055, Occupations Code 154.006, Occupations Code 167.001 (Occupations Code 153, Occupations Code 167, Occupations Code 154)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 153.051, Occupations Code 153.055, Occupations Code 154.006, Occupations Code 167.001 (Occupations Code 153, Occupations Code 167, Occupations Code 154)