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Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Medical Advocacy
• Public Health

Background:

• The Texas Medical Association (TMA) is a key stakeholder in state health policy.
• Upcoming legislative sessions present opportunities and challenges for medical organizations.
• The 82nd Texas Legislature convenes with significant health-related issues on its agenda.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the Texas Medical Association's legislative agenda for the 82nd Texas Legislature.
• To detail TMA's priorities including program defense, funding increases, public health initiatives, and scope of practice limitations.

Main Methods:

• The agenda was developed by the Texas Medical Association.
• Key legislative priorities were identified for advocacy during the session.

Main Results:

• TMA aims to protect funding for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
• TMA will advocate for increased state funding for medical residency training.
• TMA supports a statewide ban on smoking in public places.
• TMA opposes efforts by midlevel practitioners to expand their scope of practice.

Conclusions:

• The Texas Medical Association has a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on patient care and physician training.
• TMA's advocacy efforts will address critical health funding, public health, and professional scope of practice issues in Texas.