Will Maddox, for D Magazine:
HB 1998 bars physicians who have committed moral terpitude felonies and misdemeanors from practicing in Texas and requires the Texas Medical Board to have closer oversight of physicians.
This year’s legislative session scored significant victories for patient safety advocates. Until this year, it was possible for out-of-state physicians who have been convicted of felonies or misdemeanors related to moral turpitude to be able to come to Texas and continue to practice. Before HB 1998 was signed into law in 2023, a physician from other states could come to practice in Texas even if their license was revoked, restricted, or suspended in another state.