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2023 TEXAS LEGISLATIVE
SESSION WRAP-UP

TEXPAC – The Party Of Medicine

By Adam Bruggeman, MD

Every other year, the beginning of summer marks the end of the leg- dates on both sides of the aisle. While physicians who contribute may
islative session in Texas. This year’s session will perhaps best be remem- not always agree with all of the opinions of legislators supported by
bered for the bills that didn’t pass over the ones that did when it comes TEXPAC, they will find comfort in knowing that those legislators will
to healthcare. A flurry of bills that would have significantly impacted be strong advocates of physicians’ critical medical issues.
the scope of practice, physician compensation and the administration While TEXPAC has been very successful to date, the future is always
of healthcare were ultimately defeated through the efforts of the Texas uncertain. Only 10% of TMA members support TEXPAC, leaving
Medical Association and TEXPAC. While many physicians are aware significant room for improvement. As healthcare continues to increase
of the work of the Texas Medical Association, TEXPAC is not always in costs, more companies and legislators will be looking for ways to re-
as well understood. There are 5,000 physicians who contribute to duce spending while maintaining or improving quality. If physicians
TEXPAC, while there are over 50,000 members of the Texas Medical are not at the table, they will see worsening cuts and unfavorable laws
Association. written impacting patient-physician relationships and autonomy of
TEXPAC is one of the oldest political action committees in the state practice.
of Texas with a founding in the 1960s. Political action committees are The effectiveness of TEXPAC now and in the future depends on
organizations that take donations from individuals and then utilize that two things: the continued support from current donors, and engaging
money to influence the election or defeat of political candidates in ad- physicians who aren’t currently giving to the PAC. If you would like to
dition to advocating for or against legislative initiatives. TEXPAC learn more about TEXPAC, you can visit their website at www.tex-
mostly focuses on state issues at this time, including election of physi- pac.org or email them at texpac@texmed.org.
cian-friendly legislators and education surrounding healthcare-related
legislation. Combined, the TEXPAC and the Texas Medical Associa- Adam Bruggeman, MD, is an orthopedic spine surgeon in
tion are a very powerful voice throughout the state for physicians and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the Chair of the
their patients. Council on Advocacy for the American Academy of Orthopaedic
In today’s polarized politics, many physicians worry that larger or- Surgeons, providing oversight to their national regulatory, legislative and
ganizations like TEXPAC don’t truly represent their views. The reality PAC efforts.
is that healthcare is bipartisan and TEXPAC is able to support candi-

24 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • August 2023