Texas Implements New Telemedicine Licensing Policy

2025-03-18 transformation

Austin, Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
Starting 1 September 2024, Texas will convert telemedicine licenses to full medical licenses, affecting access and compliance for healthcare providers using telehealth services.

Major Licensing Transformation

The Texas Medical Board has initiated a significant change in telemedicine licensing, requiring all existing telemedicine licenses to be converted to full medical licenses. Starting September 1, 2024, the board will begin the conversion process, with practitioners unable to maintain telemedicine-only licenses beyond 2025 [1]. This transformation reflects broader changes in healthcare delivery systems, as telemedicine has evolved to become a fundamental component of the U.S. healthcare infrastructure [2].

Legislative Framework and Reimbursement

Concurrent with the licensing changes, Texas has introduced new legislation addressing telemedicine reimbursement structures. House Bill 5343, filed in March 2025, mandates that health benefit plan issuers must provide equal reimbursement for telemedicine services compared to in-person care, with these provisions taking effect for plans renewed after January 1, 2026 [3]. This legislative framework ensures payment parity, though exceptions exist for mutually agreed-upon risk-based payment arrangements.

Federal Oversight and Patient Protection

The evolution of telemedicine regulation extends to federal oversight, as evidenced by the recent Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Act, introduced on February 20, 2025 [4]. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance FDA jurisdiction over telehealth companies’ advertising practices, addressing concerns about misleading prescription drug promotions in the digital space. The initiative demonstrates growing federal attention to consumer protection in telehealth services.

Professional Standards and Compliance

Healthcare providers must navigate comprehensive professional standards for telehealth interactions. These include maintaining appropriate medical records, establishing emergency care protocols, and ensuring HIPAA compliance [5]. The transition period for Texas practitioners will be managed through scheduled board meetings and licensing dates throughout 2024 and 2025, with specific deadlines for documentation submission [6].

Bronnen

telemedicine licensing