A number of new regulations for Texas podiatrists were passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. These regulations become effective on September 1, 2019.
It is critical for Texas Podiatrists to be familiar with the new rules and regulations affecting their profession.
New Regulations for Texas Podiatrists
The following is a brief overview of a few of the bills that have been passed into law. If you have questions or concerns about how these new regulations will affect you or your podiatry practice, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
House Bill 2174 relates to controlled substance prescriptions under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. HB 2174 sets opioid prescription limits for acute pain to a 10-day supply that may not be refilled. It further requires controlled substances to be prescribed electronically after January 1, 2021, unless otherwise provided under the Health and Safety Code.
House Bill 3284 seeks to provide for better prescription monitoring for controlled substances prescribed to Texans. This bill delays the requirement for a practitioner to review the patient’s prescription history before prescribing a controlled substance until March 1, 2020.
House Bill 2847 relates to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations, activities, and agreements. Article 8 of the bill clarifies the delegation authority of a podiatrist. A person is not required to hold a certificate issued by the Texas Medical Board to perform a radiologic procedure if they are under the supervision of a podiatrist or if they are registered with the TDLR to assist a podiatrist and comply with the rules.
HB 2847 further authorizes the TDLR to charge a fee to register individuals who will perform podiatric radiologic procedures, establishes training and supervision requirements, and grounds for disciplining registrants.
House Bill 3285 relates to programs and initiatives to prevent and respond to opioid addiction, misuse, abuse, and overdose and identify and treat co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illness. Section 7 requires prescribers of opioids to “annually attend at least one hour of continuing education covering best practices, alternative treatment options, and multi-modal approaches to pain management that may include physical therapy, psychotherapy, and other treatments.” This subsection is set to expire on August 31, 2023.
Professional License Defense
BERTOLINO LLP provides aggressive advocacy for professionals who are facing disciplinary action in front of a licensing board, agency, or commission in Texas. We have consistently won significant cases for podiatrists, other doctors, nurses, lawyers, architects, pharmacists and other professionals dealing with issues that could jeopardize their ability to work. We know how to build a strong case to protect your license – and your livelihood.
Our law firm helps professionals, like you, keep their licenses when those licenses are under attack by a state agency or board.
With offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, we serve clients all over the state. As experienced attorneys, well-versed in state and federal laws, we know how to win. Our results speak for themselves!
If you are facing disciplinary action from a professional licensing board, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
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