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First Tuesdays Recap - March 2025
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This month’s First Tuesdays at the Capitol event saw record turnout TMA-wide for a March First Tuesdays, and Bexar County’s delegation was no exception! Many thanks to the following participants: John M. Shepherd, MD, BCMS President; Jenny Shepherd, TMAA President; Ezequiel “Zeke” Silva, MD, BCMS Immediate Past President; Jayesh Shah, MD, TMA President-Elect; Neha Shah; Sanjiv Kumar, MD; Carmen Garza, MD; Amita Kumar, MD; Lubna Naeem, MD; Antonia Helbling, MD; Gerardo Ortega, MD; Catherine Ortega; Ethan McGonagle (UTHSCSA); and Emma Tao (UTHSCSA).
Our group discussed TMA's 2025 legislative priorities with legislators and staff from each of the Bexar County legislative offices. Legislation supported by TMA includes SB 547, which would build on the framework of the 2021 “gold card” law for helping physicians earn exemptions from onerous prior authorization requirements by adding greater transparency and accountability for insurers; SB 815 & HB 2922, which would prohibit insurers from using fully autonomous systems (i.e., augmented intelligence) to make coverage determinations; SB 922 & HB 1699, which would require that patients must receive serious and sensitive test results directly from their physician, rather than through a portal; and a provision in SB1, the state budget for 2026-2027, that would give physicians a 10% increase across-the-board in Medicaid payments.
Conversely, legislation that TMA opposes includes SB 911 & HB 1756, which would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice independently without oversight by a physician, thus destroying the physician-led team framework that is at the heart of medical care; SB 1102, which would allow professional midwives to administer dangerous medications during labor without any supervision; HB 845, which would allow pharmacists to test and treat for illnesses such as flu or Covid, despite not having training in the practice of medicine; and SB 818 & HB 1906, which would establish a cost analysis program that would give health plans an advantage by using data supplied by health insurance companies, thus undercut physician and patient protections. With all of this very different legislation flowing through offices and committees, we’re very grateful to TMA’s Division of Public Affairs for their constant work in helping legislators and their teams understand the effects these bills would have on physicians and patients across the state, and very glad to be able to help out once a month at First Tuesdays.
If you haven’t made it to First Tuesdays yet this year, there’s still time to get involved! You can register at https://www.texmed.org/firsttuesdays/ to attend the events on April 1 and May 6. More information, including assistance with finding accommodations, is available at the TMA Web page linked above, but if you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out to Jacob Hernandez, BCMS Advocacy & Public Health Specialist, at jacob.hernandez@bcms.org.
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Important Physician News and Deadlines
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Hear a Statewide Measles Update with DSHS, Earn CME
As measles continues to afflict the state, physicians can learn the latest on the West Texas outbreak, travel-related cases, and earn CME by tuning into a webinar with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Monday, March 17, at 5:30 pm CT. Learn more.
Invest in Yourself at TexMed
TMA's annual meeting and largest conference helps shape the future of medicine. It's your chance to network with physician leaders from across Texas, provide your input into key issues, such as practice viability, and gain new skills from CME tracks. Avoid an on-site fee of $25 by registering now to gather in San Antonio's beautiful Hill Country. Get more information and register.
Measles Outbreak Surpasses 200 Cases in Texas and New Mexico
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported the measles outbreak in West Texas has soared to 198 cases, with an additional 30 cases in New Mexico. The Texas Health Department notified families in the area that they could consider an early dose of the MMR vaccine for babies 6 to 12 months. Learn more.
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Upcoming Community Events
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Measles Update with DSHS
March 17│Register
Attend the upcoming webinar presented by the DSHS and TMA to learn the latest updates and strategies to lower measle contraction risks and earn CME.
TexMed 2025
May 8-10│Register
TMA's annual conference will be held in San Antonio this year. Attend to network with physician leaders, explore CME tracks, and enjoy keynote presentations.
TMA Foundation 32nd Annual Gala
May 9│Details
Bid on silent and live auctions featuring items and experiences to celebrate the outdoors. Purchases support TMAF-funded initiatives to improve health for Texans.
ASES Foundation's 2025 National Shoulder & Elbow Week
May 16│Tickets
Join friends and colleagues who share a passion for advancing shoulder and elbow care for an evening of camaraderie, food, and entertainment.
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Circle of Friends Gold Sponsor
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Circle of Friends Silver Sponsor
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