SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, in support of the implementation of House Bill 2038 (The "DOCTOR Act"), and urging the Texas Medical Board to ensure that the final rules enable maximum participation by health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) and medically underserved areas (MUAs), such as Laredo and Webb County.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
* Goal 1: Improve access to health care services for all residents.
* Policy 1.2: Increase access to care for low-income, uninsured, and underserved areas.
* Policy 1.3: Support recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
* Goal 2: Promote health equity and reduce health disparities.
* Policy 2.1: Expand access to culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services.
* Goal 3: Strengthen the healthcare delivery system through partnerships.
* Policy 3.1: Strengthen the healthcare delivery system through partnerships.
Summary of alignment:
The resolution aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by addressing healthcare workforce gaps, improving access to care, and advancing health equity in medically underserved communities such as Laredo and Webb County.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
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BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo, located along the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas, faces persistent challenges in attracting and retaining qualified medical professionals, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Like many border communities, Laredo experiences physician shortages that significantly affect access to timely and quality health care services for its residents.
In response to these statewide healthcare workforce challenges, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2038, also known as the Decreasing Occupational Certification Timelines, Obstacles, and Regulations (DOCTOR) Act, which was enacted in 2025. This legislation aims to expand the medical workforce in Texas by facilitatin...
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