Texas Physicians Seek Board Enforcement Reforms

The current level of due process and justice for physicians “could be significantly better,” Dr. Handel said.

But Dr. Patrick maintains that the new system provides more opportunities than ever for the physician to offer evidence in their defense. The process is deliberative and takes about 9 months. “This process is not one day you get a complaint and the next day you're in chains,” he said.

And physicians that have complaints filed against them are already being evaluated by physicians in their specialty, he said. A simultaneous review, however, would significantly slow down the process.

As the board continues to implement the new process, more physicians are beginning to realize that it is good for the profession because it instills public confidence, Dr. Patrick said.

“The point is that it is a balancing act. Many cases are balancing acts. It's a tension between the doctors and the public,” he said.