Who is responsible for granting medical licenses in Texas?

The Texas Medical Board is the authority responsible for granting medical licenses in Texas. This independent agency's primary function is to regulate the practice of medicine to ensure that healthcare standards are met, protecting the public's health and safety. The Board is composed of physicians and public members who set the criteria and process by which medical practitioners can obtain and maintain their licenses.

This regulatory body not only issues licenses to qualified applicants but also oversees the enforcement of medical practice laws, investigates complaints against physicians, and takes disciplinary actions as necessary. Their role is crucial in maintaining the standards and integrity of medical practice in the state, influencing the quality of healthcare that patients receive.

In contrast, the State Legislature creates the laws under which the Texas Medical Board operates but does not issue licenses directly. Individual medical institutions do have their own accreditation processes and may determine privileges to practice within their facilities, but they do not have the authority to grant state licenses. The Department of Health typically oversees public health issues but does not handle the licensing of individual medical practitioners.