Press Releases / News

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Zachariah Manning's Full Press Release on September 20, 2023 to KXAN Austin

Zachariah Manning’s opinion on the two-year delay in the implementation of Texas HB 1998

“Firstly, I would like to commend this news station for its exceptional investigative reporting on doctors who have had their licenses revoked or suspended in other states from practicing in Texas and the delayed implementation of Texas HB 1998 by the Texas Medical Board. It is crucial that we shine a light on such issues to ensure accountability and transparency in our legislative processes.

However, it is disheartening to see that the bill writer who is an attorney by trade, missed the mark with the drafting of this legislation. In my opinion, Texas HB 1998 could have been written more effectively to address the concerns at hand.

One glaring oversight is the absence of an immediate action item within the legislation. It is my belief that the bill should have included a provision requiring all new physician applicants and current practicing physicians to submit an affidavit under penalty of perjury within 15 or 30 days of the law becoming effective. This simple action would have bridged the significant two-year delay in the implementation of HB 1998 by the Texas Medical Board.

By including such an algorithmic provision in the application process or supplement thereof, doctors would have been compelled to promptly comply with the new requirements, ensuring that the intended impact of the legislation is realized and enacted into law. It would have provided a clear and enforceable deadline, holding doctors accountable while safeguarding the integrity of the healthcare system.

I urge lawmakers with weak legislative writing abilities to consider their shortcomings and seek another line of work that best fits their skills. It is essential that our laws are written with precision and foresight to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the efficient implementation of vital reforms.

Once again, I express my gratitude to this news station for its dedication to investigative reporting, shedding light on matters that impact our community. Let us hope that the necessary steps are taken to rectify the issues with Texas HB 1998 and prevent similar oversights in the future.”