Medical Board of Texas: How to Defend Your Medical License During an Investigation
As a licensed medical professional in Texas, your career is built on years of education, training, and dedication. But even the most diligent physicians can find themselves under scrutiny by the Medical Board of Texas. Facing a Texas Medical Board (TMB) investigation can be overwhelming — especially when your license, reputation, and livelihood are on the line.
This guide outlines the five most important steps you should take to protect your license, respond to allegations, and navigate the complex legal process of a TMB investigation.
What Is the Medical Board of Texas?
The Medical Board of Texas, formally known as the Texas Medical Board (TMB), is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating physicians, physician assistants, and other allied health professionals. The TMB investigates complaints, enforces medical standards, and imposes disciplinary actions when necessary.
An investigation by the Medical Board of Texas can stem from a patient complaint, audit, malpractice claim, criminal charge, or other professional misconduct allegation.
Step 1: Understand the Nature of the Investigation
Your first step in any TMB matter is to understand why you’re under investigation. Ask:
- What triggered the complaint?
- What are the specific allegations?
- Which statutes or rules are potentially involved?
Common reasons for investigation include:
- Inappropriate prescribing or overprescribing
- Billing or coding irregularities
- Criminal charges (DWI, assault, fraud, etc.)
- Medical record violations
- Allegations of negligence or malpractice
The Medical Board of Texas will typically notify you of the investigation by mail. Do not ignore this letter — it may include deadlines for response, requests for documentation, or a scheduled informal settlement conference.
Step 2: Assess the Disciplinary Risks
Not every complaint leads to license suspension — but it could. A major part of your defense is evaluating the severity of the allegations and their potential impact on your career.
The Medical Board of Texas may impose a range of disciplinary actions:
- Dismissal or closure of the complaint
- Formal warning or reprimand
- Fines or continuing education requirements
- Probation with oversight
- License suspension or revocation
Understanding what’s at stake will help you and your legal team create a defense strategy that’s proportional and strategic.
Step 3: Know the TMB Investigation Process
A Medical Board of Texas investigation typically involves the following stages:
- Complaint Received – A patient, colleague, or third party files a complaint.
- Initial Review – The TMB screens the complaint to determine jurisdiction and whether further investigation is warranted.
- Formal Investigation – If accepted, the board gathers records, interviews witnesses, and reviews evidence.
- Informal Settlement Conference (ISC) – You may be invited to meet with board representatives to explain your position.
- Agreed Order or SOAH Hearing – If unresolved, the board may propose a settlement or refer the case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for a formal trial.
Being proactive during each stage — with the help of legal counsel — is essential to minimizing consequences.
Step 4: Build a Strong Legal Defense
Once you understand the allegations and the investigation timeline, the next step is to formulate a clear and credible defense. Your approach will depend on the nature of the case:
- Billing issues may require proof of accurate coding practices or documentation.
- Standard of care violations may require expert witnesses or peer testimony.
- Criminal charges may require coordination with a separate defense attorney.
Work with a legal team familiar with the Medical Board of Texas process to help gather evidence, prepare written responses, and challenge the validity of the allegations.
Step 5: Hire an Experienced TMB Defense Attorney
This step is critical. A lawyer with experience handling Medical Board of Texas investigations can:
- Communicate with the board on your behalf
- Help you respond to the complaint in a professional, strategic manner
- Represent you during informal settlement conferences or SOAH hearings
- Protect your rights and help minimize disciplinary action
- Assist in restoring your reputation if the complaint becomes public
The TMB is a powerful agency. You deserve equally powerful legal representation.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Go It Alone
Even if you believe the complaint is meritless, do not ignore a letter from the Medical Board of Texas or attempt to resolve it without legal advice. Doing so could jeopardize your case, result in self-incrimination, or lead to harsher penalties.
Many physicians make the mistake of writing an emotional or defensive response — or worse, no response at all. Always consult a healthcare attorney first.
Conclusion: Protect Your License and Future
Facing an investigation by the Medical Board of Texas is a serious matter. But with the right strategy, professional support, and a proactive mindset, you can protect your license and reputation.
At Dike Law Group, we help physicians and healthcare professionals across Texas respond to board complaints, defend their licenses, and preserve their careers. If you’ve received a letter from the Medical Board of Texas, don’t wait. Contact our team today for a confidential consultation.
Our team at Dike Law Group has extensive experience in dealing with Texas Medical Board cases. For answers to questions and guidance we invite you to explore our website at Dike Law Group. To initiate a free intake discussion, please go to dorismeet.com, where you can schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys. Our services assist healthcare professionals in Texas and throughout the country.
