Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing back against a proposed rule by the Texas Medical Board that he says would weaken a new law dealing with surprise medical bills.
A state law passed this year protects patients with state-regulated health insurance and no choice in their selection of medical providers from being stuck with huge medical bills for out-of-network services.
The law, which takes effect on January 1st, requires doctors and insurers to negotiate.
The proposed rule would involve having patients sign a waiver agreeing to pay the costs.
The Texas Medical Board says it's not trying to undermine the law with a loophole.