While Texas was once regarded as a freedom-loving state that valued the independence of its constituents, lately it seems that many of the liberties private citizens enjoy are in danger of being taken away. The Texas Medical Board (TMB) has reportedly been targeting investigations at both licensed and unlicensed healthcare practitioners, many of whom claim they are being harassed by the board.
According to Texas Right To Know, the board is disproportionately concentrating their investigative and sanctioning efforts against non-licensed healthcare practitioners that are not warranted, including NDs and CCNs, among others.
Of course, action from the board has also been perpetrated against other traditionally licensed healthcare professionals such as DOs and MDs who practice under Title 22, Part 9, Chapter 200 of the Texas Administrative Code: Standards for Physicians Practicing Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The law, passed in 1997, states that the purpose of the chapter "is to recognize that physicians should be allowed a reasonable and responsible degree of latitude in the kinds of therapies they offer their patients."
The legislation also says that the board understands that patients have the right to seek alternative and complementary care for treatment. Texas Right To Know maintains that the TMB should also acknowledge that the state's inhabitants have a right to complementary and alternative medicine without care providers being harassed by regulators. Investigations that foolishly waste taxpayer dollars and force practitioners to raise their cost of care to cover their new legal expenses certainly fall under this umbrella.
Texas state Rep. Bill Zedler commented, "I have been in contact with numerous physicians who have shared with me their unjust treatment by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) when their practices were under investigation." He went on to say, "Wrongful actions of the TMB include the violation of the physician's right to know their accuser, their right to due process and their patients' 4th amendment right to privacy."
According to Texas Right to Know, a court ruling from the 24th District Court, State of Texas v. Courtney Ricardo Morgan, shows a clear reprehension of the TMB for their "bad faith actions" in the launching of these numerous investigations.
Texas Right To Know will be holding a rally in Austin on December 9th to support the people's right to choose their own care. The rally comes as a response to the increasing concerns about health and medical freedom of the public and healthcare practitioners. The organization will also be launching a new campaign to help raise awareness about the threat to personal choice, entitled, “TMB, Don't Mess With Me” – an ode to the much-loved “Don't Mess With Texas” motto.
Anyone who is interested in maintaining and supporting medical freedom is welcome to join the rally and partake in the day's lobbying efforts. According to Texas Right To Know, the day will begin mid-morning and will consist of education and discussion on many upcoming legislative issues, including TMB abuse, vaccination mandates and many more. Participants can also expect to meet with state representatives and senators earlier in the day.
The rally itself will take place on the north steps at the capitol building at approximately 2:30 in the afternoon. If you are interested in participating or just want to learn more about medical freedom, please click here.
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