A Texas Medical Board audit can feel harsh and personal. You worked hard for your license. Now strangers review your choices, your words, and your records. This blog walks you through what happens during a Texas Medical Board audit so you know what to expect and how to respond. You learn who contacts you first. You see what records they request. You understand how they judge your charts, your prescribing, and your policies. You also see how your answers and your paperwork can protect you or hurt you. The process can trigger fear, anger, or shame. That reaction is common. Still, you cannot ignore an audit letter. You must respond with calm and proof. If you already received notice, you may want legal guidance from a site like dklawg.com. With clear steps, you can move from panic to a plan.
Why The Texas Medical Board Starts An Audit
You face an audit for three common reasons. First, a patient, staff member, insurer, or other license holder sends a complaint. Second, a report comes from a hospital, pharmacy board, or law enforcement. Third, data review flags your practice for patterns such as high opioid use or missing continuing education.
You can read how the Board handles complaints on the Texas Medical Board site at https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/investigation. That page explains the steps the Board follows from complaint to action.
The First Letter And What It Means
The process starts with a written notice. You receive a letter or secure message that tells you three things. You see the type of review, the time frame, and the records they want.
Usually you must send a reply within a set number of days. The letter often asks for:
- Patient charts for named dates
- Prescription records and logs
- Policies for record keeping and supervision
- Proof of continuing education
- Hospital or practice contracts
You should not ignore the letter. You should not change records. You should gather what they ask for and keep a copy of what you send.
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What Records Reviewers Look For
The audit team checks three core parts of your work. They review your charts, your prescribing, and your professional conduct. Each part tells a story about how you treat patients and follow Texas rules.
During a chart review, they look for:
- Clear history and exam notes
- Documented reasoning for tests and treatment
- Informed consent records
- Follow up plans and patient instructions
During a prescribing review, they look for:
- Dose and quantity that match the diagnosis
- Use of the state Prescription Monitoring Program
- Refill patterns and early refills
- Use of treatment agreements for controlled drugs
During a conduct review, they look for boundary issues, criminal history, or misuse of staff or students.
Common Stages Of A Texas Medical Board Audit
You move through the process in stages. Each stage has a clear goal. This table gives a simple picture.
| Stage | What Happens | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Notice | You receive a letter with requests and deadlines. | Read it, note dates, contact counsel if needed. |
| Record Collection | The Board asks for charts and other documents. | Gather exact records, keep copies, avoid edits. |
| Written Response | You may need to answer questions in writing. | Give facts, cite records, avoid emotion. |
| Review | Experts study your records and response. | Wait, but keep your contact details current. |
| Informal Meeting | You may be asked to meet with Board staff. | Prepare, bring key documents, stay calm. |
| Decision | The Board closes the case or takes action. | Follow all terms or appeal through set paths. |
How Long The Audit Can Take
Time frames vary. Some audits end in a few months. Others last a year or more. The Board reports that complex cases and contested hearings can take longer. You can review general complaint timelines through federal guidance on medical oversight at https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-care-quality/what-is-medical-oversight/index.html. That resource helps you see how oversight groups often move step by step.
During this time you may feel worn down. You might worry about your family, your income, and your name. You are not alone. Many license holders report the same strain.
Possible Outcomes And What They Mean
When the audit ends, you face one of three main outcomes.
- No action. The Board closes the case. You receive notice and keep your record as is.
- Corrective steps. You may need courses, chart reviews, or monitoring. You keep your license but must follow terms.
- Discipline. You may face a warning, fine, limits on your work, or loss of license in severe cases.
Each outcome affects your practice, your insurance, and your future plans. You should read any order fully and mark each deadline.
How To Protect Yourself During An Audit
You can lower risk and stress if you take three types of action early.
First, organize your records. Keep charts clear and legible. Store consent forms and test results in one place. Update your contact data with the Board.
Second, know the rules. Review Texas Medical Board rules each year. Focus on prescribing, supervision, and continuing education. Check your practice policies to match those rules.
Third, seek support when needed. You can speak with legal counsel, your insurer, or a peer review group. You can also review Board guidance and federal oversight resources. Do not try to handle a complex audit alone if you feel lost or scared.
Supporting Your Family And Staff
An audit affects the people around you. Your family may sense your fear. Your staff may worry about their jobs. You help them by sharing clear facts.
- Tell them that an audit is a review process, not proof of guilt.
- Explain what you can share and what you cannot.
- Give staff plain steps for record gathering and patient questions.
When you speak with children or teens, keep it simple. You can say that grownups sometimes have work reviews and that you are handling one now.
Moving From Fear To A Plan
A Texas Medical Board audit can shake your sense of safety. Yet you keep control of three things. You control how fast you respond. You control how clear your records are. You control when you ask for help.
With steady steps, you can turn that first shock into a plan. You protect your license. You protect your patients. You protect your peace of mind.
