Texas Medical Board Overview
The Texas Medical Board (TMB) regulates medical practice in Texas:
Key Statistics:
- Over 95,000 licensed physicians
- Second-largest physician workforce in the US
- Population served: 30+ million
- Growing healthcare market due to population influx
Contact Information:
- Website: tmb.state.tx.us
- Phone: (512) 305-7010
- Email: license.applications@tmb.state.tx.us
Texas has a reputation for efficient processing but rigorous review of applications.
CME Requirements
Texas CME requirements for license renewal:
Total Hours: 48 hours every 24 months
Mandatory Topics:
- Medical Ethics: 2 hours
- Opioid/Controlled Substances: 2 hours (one-time, then counts toward general hours)
- Human Trafficking Prevention: 1 hour (one-time)
Accepted Credits:
- AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
- AOA Category 1-A (for DOs)
- Accredited CME from TMB-recognized providers
Documentation:
- Keep certificates for at least 4 years
- Random audits conducted each renewal cycle
- Certificates must include your name, date, credits, provider
Note: Texas does not accept Category 2 credits.
Initial License Application
To obtain a Texas medical license:
Requirements:
- Graduate of LCME or AOA-accredited medical school (ECFMG for IMGs)
- Complete ACGME or AOA-accredited residency
- Pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3 (or COMLEX)
- FBI fingerprint background check
- DEA registration (if prescribing controlled substances)
Application Process:
- Create account on TMB online portal
- Complete application and upload documents
- Submit fingerprints through IdentoGO
- Pay application fees
- Wait for TMB review and decision
Fees:
- Application fee: $758
- Fingerprint processing: ~$40
- Total initial: ~$800
Timeline: 4-8 weeks with complete application (longer if issues arise)
License Renewal
Texas medical license renewal:
Cycle: 24 months (biennial), expires on birth month
Renewal Fee: $474
Process:
- Complete 48 CME hours (including mandatory topics)
- Log into TMB online portal
- Attest to CME completion
- Pay renewal fee
- License renewed immediately upon submission
Important Dates:
- Renewal notice: 90 days before expiration
- Grace period: None - license expires on expiration date
- Late renewal: Available within 1 year with penalty ($237)
- After 1 year: Must reapply as new applicant
Reinstatement: If expired beyond grace period, must petition TMB with additional fees and requirements.
Texas-Specific Requirements
Unique Texas licensing considerations:
IMLC Membership: Texas is a full IMLC member, enabling expedited multi-state licensing through the compact.
Telemedicine: Texas allows telemedicine with appropriate licensure. Out-of-state physicians must be licensed in Texas to treat Texas patients.
Controlled Substances:
- Texas requires both DEA and state controlled substance registration
- State registration obtained through Texas DPS
- PDMP (Prescription Monitoring Program) registration mandatory
Physician Supervision:
- PAs: 7:1 supervision ratio
- NPs: Collaborative agreement required for prescribing
Corporate Practice: Texas allows physician employment by certain entities with proper structure.