Federal Trade Commission Closes Investigation of Texas Medical Board After Texas Passes Law Expanding Telemedicine and Telehealth Services

The Federal Trade Commission has closed its investigation of whether the Texas Medical Board violated federal antitrust law by adopting rules restricting the practice of telemedicine and telehealth in Texas. The Commission voted to close the investigation after Texas enacted a law that overrides the board’s restrictive rules.

In a statement explaining its reasoning, the Commission commends the State of Texas for using its authority to permit the expansion of telemedicine and telehealth services, and for addressing competitive concerns raised by the Texas Medical Board’s previous regulations that significantly restricted telemedicine and telehealth services in Texas. Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen said, “I have long advocated for the expansion of telemedicine and telehealth options that enhance competition and benefit consumers, while still protecting public health and safety. I commend the Governor of Texas and the Texas state legislature for expanding access to health care services for Texans through telehealth and telemedicine.”

The Commission vote to close the investigation was 2-0. (FTC File No. 1510180; the staff contact is Michael Turner, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-3649)

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