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Texas law

Healthcare & Benefits Laws in Texas.

Texas healthcare law combines federal frameworks (Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, HIPAA, EMTALA) with state-specific statutes. Texas has NOT expanded Medicaid under the ACA — one of 10 remaining non-expansion states. Texas Department of State Health Services regulates facility and professional licensing. Texas operates the Prescription Monitoring Program. Texas has strict limitations on medical-malpractice claims under the 2003 tort reform (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 74.301) — including the $250K noneconomic cap per defendant.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Texas Statutes

No Medicaid ExpansionTexas has not expanded Medicaid

Texas is among the 10 remaining non-Medicaid-expansion states. Medicaid eligibility remains limited to categorical groups (children, pregnant women, aged/disabled).

Texas Medical Malpractice Reform (2003)Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 74.301 et seq.

$250K noneconomic damages cap per defendant (up to $750K total across physician and 2 healthcare institutions). 2-year SOL. Expert report requirement (§ 74.351) within 120 days of suit. Among the strictest tort-reform frameworks in the U.S.

Texas Prescription Monitoring ProgramTex. Health & Safety Code § 481.076

Texas operates a mandatory PMP. Prescribers must check the PMP before prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol.

Medical LicensureTex. Occ. Code § 151.001 et seq.

The Texas Medical Board licenses physicians and oversees discipline.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Texas.

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