TMB – Tarrant County Physician Online

Texas Medical Board Announces New Emergeny Rules

The Texas Medical Board has announced new emergency rules that went into effect today, May 1st, at 12:00am. Among the provisions was this requirement:

All physicians providing patient care or engaging in an in-person patient encounter in medical and healthcare practices, offices, and facilities, other than hospitals as defined under Chapter 241 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, shall post a COVID-19 Minimum Standards of Safe Practice Notice (COVID-19 Notice), delineating the minimum standards of safe practice described in this subsection, in each public area and treatment room or area of the office, practice, or facility. (bold face added)

Earlier today, TMB posted on its website a copy of the notice that physicians can print and place in their offices as required. It is available here.

TMA White Paper Explains New Rules on Non-Urgent Procedures

By David Doolittle

Originally published on Texas Medical Association‘s website.

The Texas Medical Board (TMB) on Tuesday adopted emergency rules to follow Gov. Greg Abbott’s revised executive order that lifts restrictions on certain non-urgent, elective surgeries and procedures that had been in place since late March.

To help you understand the changes, and to further clarify a TMB frequently asked questions (FAQ) document on the changes, the Texas Medical Association Office of the General Counsel has updated its white paper on the new orders.

The TMA white paper includes background on Governor Abbott’s restrictions, provides details on each new executive order, and looks at TMB’s recommendations for physicians trying to decide whether to perform a surgery or procedure.

In addition, the TMA COVID-19 Task Force has created a document that provides links to COVID-19 resources, including state and federal guidance as well as specialty societies that have published resource pages.

You can find both documents on TMA’s COVID-19 resource page, which is regularly updated with new information, tools, and resources.

Updated TMA White Paper Explains Non-Urgent Surgeries Rule

Worried, concerned, confused about the Texas Medical Board’s emergency rules on “non-urgent elective surgeries or procedures” during the COVID-19 crisis? What about the new FAQ the board issued over the weekend? You’re not alone.

Many Texas physicians have called the Texas Medical Association about the rules.

If you’re uncertain about what are considered non-urgent, elective surgeries and procedures – as well as what you or your practice will be required to report – TMA’s Office of the General Counsel produced this white paper to help you better understand the emergency rules.