Texas state Sen. Bob Hall recently spoke to the Austin Journal regarding the Texas Medical Board and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hall has criticized the TMB, calling them "unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats" who are not living up to their job of helping Texans remain safe. The critiques come as certain doctors in the Lone Star State have had their medical licenses threatened by the Board over their approach to coronavirus treatments.
"We have had several doctors call into our office to tell us about their experiences with the TMB," Hall told the Journal. "They have told us that they have been targeted for prescribing FDA-approved drugs for off-label use, although that practice is extremely common. The use of aspirin as a preventative for heart attacks is an example of a common off-label drug use; yet even the Mayo Clinic discusses the use of aspirin as a heart attack prevention."
The senator specifically talked about problems faced by doctors who offer "holistic" treatments.
"For these doctors though, if they have prescribed ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine or budesonide, they will often find themselves under TMB scrutiny, facing mandatory training and hefty fines, regardless of whether any harm was actually done to a patient or if the patient was unsatisfied with the treatment," Hall told the Journal. "We've also heard of doctors who have been vilified when they choose to go against the standard "hospital COVID protocol" and opt for a more natural, holistic approach to treatment. Doctors have been prevented from providing the treatment they believe is the best course of action for their patients, patients have been denied preferred treatment because doctors are afraid of losing their license, and hundreds of doctors have been victims of unwarranted TMB investigations."
When asked if he planned to introduce any legislation regarding this issue, Hall said that he has not yet determined the specifics of his legislative agenda for the upcoming session. But he did indicate he would be in favor of legislation that implements a "meaningful Patient Bill of Rights" along with mandating additional transparency in the TMB's process.
The Texas Medical Board is a state agency that has the responsibility of supervising the licensure and regulation of all doctors in Texas, its website said.
Hall represents Texas' 2nd State Senate District, a seat he has held since 2015; a Ballotpedia report said. He is running for re-election this fall.