TMA’s Top 10 Victories this Legislative Session

 First_Tuesdays_May3

The Texas Medical Association scored on a wide range of goals to improve the state’s medical landscape during this year’s session of the Texas Legislature, which concluded in May. 

Which issues in health care and medicine did lawmakers address, and which were left undone? 

In public health, the House of Medicine convinced lawmakers that raising the age to purchase tobacco to 21 was the right thing for the state’s present and future. 

Medicine also successfully persuaded the legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott to improve insurance network adequacy and directories, which will help with surprise medical bills. Insurers’ prior authorization tactics took several damaging hits in the form of TMA-backed bills that became law. 

And the 2020-21 budget includes a number of vital funding increases, including a $68 million increase for women’s health programs, an added $60 million for graduate medical education (GME) slots, and $50 million more for community mental health services. 

TMA’s vice president of advocacy Darren Whitehurst tells us what we need to know about these victories in the TMA Legislative News Hotline’s Top 10 Issues videos. From maternal health improvements to health insurance reform, these brief videos report on progress achieved and opportunities missed this session. 

TMA’s Top 10:  

The Budget  

Surprise Billing Addressed   

Prior-Authorization Improvement Passes  

Efforts to Curb Opioid Abuse  

Scope of Practice  

Mental and Behavioral Health Legislation  

Maternal Health  

Governor Signs Tobacco Use Age Bill  

Volunteer Liability Protection  

TMB Sunset Bill 

And be sure to check out the entire playlist of legislative coverage of TMA physicians’ efforts to urge lawmakers to pass bills to benefit good patient care.

Last Updated On

July 09, 2019

Originally Published On

July 09, 2019

Related Content

Texas legislation