First Tuesday

First Tuesdays: Another Huge Success
The First Tuesdays at the Capitol program is a huge success every legislative session. And, 2011 was no exception. Almost a thousand physicians, medical students, and TMA Alliance members (PDF) made the trek to Austin to lobby their state legislators on issues important to medicine. You made a huge difference again this year. What started out be one of medicine's most challenging sessions is ending with many victories. Thanks to your time and commitment, medicine was able to accomplish:

No scope expansions;

Texas' ban on the corporate practice of medicine; and

Strict employment protections for physicians that guarantee their clinical autonomy and independent medical judgment.

Here is a complete list of bills (PDF) important to TMA's legislative agenda. Here is a complete list of bills for the special session (PDF).

A First-Timer’s View of First Tuesday
Brett Stauffer, MD, an internist and hospitalist from Dallas, participated in his initial First Tuesday at the Capitol on March 1. Several of his colleagues at Baylor University Medical Center had spoken about the experience and encouraged him to take part.
Legislator Education Materials
Our famous "leave behinds" for 2011 First Tuesdays:

Medicaid Perception vs. Reality -- As state lawmakers look to balance the budget with steep cuts to the program, TMA debunks seven persistent myths about Texas Medicaid. Use this flyer to educate your friends, colleagues, patients (and legislators).

Physician-Employment Protections

Public Health Issues

Scope of Practice

Silent PPOs

State Budget Crisis

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Tobacco

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