Advancing Podiatric Medicine in Texas
TPMA’s advocacy work continues year-round and extends far beyond the legislative session. During the 2025–2026 interim, TPMA has been actively engaged in policy development, stakeholder collaboration, regulatory education, and relationship-building with legislators and healthcare organizations. These sustained efforts allow TPMA to identify emerging issues early, educate policymakers and stakeholders, build strategic alliances, and develop a thoughtful, effective legislative agenda before the next session convenes.
May 19, 2025, CSSB 1373 was the first bill heard during the Public Health Committee hearing on Monday morning. Drs. Steven Brancheau, Michael VanPelt, and Neil Campbell provided powerful testimony in support of the bill. Drs. Steven Walters and Andy Bruyn were also present and officially registered their support.
Watch the Public Health Committee hearing: Texas House Video – May 19, 2025
Senate Bill 1373 passed out of the Senate on Friday with overwhelming support in a 30-1 vote. This is a major step forward for our profession and the patients you serve. Our focus now shifts to the House, where we will advocate for a hearing in the House Public Health Committee.
April 23, 2025, the Senate HHS Committee voted unanimously in favor of our bill.
April 15, 2025, Dr. Steve Brancheau, Dr. Isaac Bazan, and Dr. Neil Campbell testified in support of SB 1373 before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. During the hearing, a committee substitute for SB 1373 (CSSB 1373) was introduced. This revised version addresses key concerns raised by stakeholders by replacing the original requirement for an “objective” privileging process with language requiring hospitals to consistently apply the same privileging criteria to all members of the medical staff applying for the same privilege.
Watch the Senate Health & Human Services Committee hearing: Senate Audio/Video Archive
Resources:
- Find who represents you: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home.
- Texas House Members
- Texas Senate Members
- House Committee on Public Health
- Senate Committee on Health and Human Services
Videos:
- APMA: Advocating For You and Your Patients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOLjnpfHQT4
- Podiatrists Guide to Grassroots Advocacy: https://youtu.be/L1DjMfyNniI?si=gBDJMdMknVMSX6EQ
- Payer Advocacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fco-6PlX8cI
Sample Emails:
- Schedule an appointment via Zoom or phone call with your Legislator – Sample email
- Schedule an in person appointment with your Legislator – Sample email
