Texas Takes Back Control of Medicine Thanks to Abbott's New Board Appointments

Governor Greg Abbott just made a decisive play to steer Texas healthcare in the right direction. His latest appointments to the Texas Medical Board, announced on April 28, 2025, signal a commitment to robust state oversight that puts patients first. By naming Mary 'Kelly' Green, M.D., alongside reappointing seasoned experts like Devinder S. Bhatia, M.D., and public advocate Luisa del Rosal, Abbott is doubling down on a vision for medical regulation that’s transparent, accountable, and free from the grip of big pharma or federal bureaucrats.

These aren’t just names on a list. They’re a statement. The Texas Medical Board regulates the practice of medicine in the state, from licensing doctors to cracking down on malpractice. Abbott’s picks reflect a deliberate strategy to ensure the board stays laser-focused on protecting Texans, not advancing some distant agenda cooked up in Washington. With terms stretching to 2031, these appointees will shape healthcare for years, and the governor’s choices suggest he’s playing the long game.

Contrast this with the chaos of federal overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic, when agencies like the CDC issued mandates that often ignored local realities. Texans don’t need unelected officials dictating how doctors practice. They need a board that reflects their values, enforces high standards, and keeps the system honest. Abbott’s appointments are a step toward that goal, grounding regulation in state authority where it belongs.

State-led oversight isn’t just a preference; it’s a necessity. Governors like Abbott wield significant influence through appointments, setting the tone for how medicine is practiced. The Texas Medical Board’s job is to ensure doctors meet rigorous standards, verify credentials, and discipline those who fall short. By selecting professionals like Robert David Martinez, M.D., and Jason K. Tibbels, M.D., alongside public voices like Tomeka Herod, Abbott ensures a balance of expertise and accountability. This mix guards against the kind of regulatory capture that happens when big healthcare conglomerates cozy up to regulators.

Look at the alternative. Federal agencies, often bloated and disconnected, have a track record of overstepping. During the pandemic, the NIH and CDC pushed one-size-fits-all policies that clashed with the needs of states like Texas. The result? Confusion, eroded trust, and a public skeptical of top-down directives. State boards, answerable to elected officials like Abbott, are better positioned to respond to local needs while maintaining high standards. That’s why these appointments matter: they reinforce Texas’s ability to chart its own course.

Historical trends back this up. Since the late 19th century, states have taken the lead in licensing professions like medicine, driven by the need to protect public safety without stifling innovation. Texas has long embraced this model, and Abbott’s appointees build on that legacy. They’re tasked with implementing the board’s 2025-2029 strategic plan, which emphasizes efficient licensing and rigorous enforcement. It’s a blueprint for keeping Texas healthcare strong and independent.

Some argue these appointments risk politicizing the board, claiming governors use their power to stack regulatory bodies with loyalists. This critique, often pushed by advocates for more federal control, misses the mark. Abbott’s selections aren’t about ideology; they’re about competence and alignment with Texas priorities. Professionals like James 'JD' Distefano, D.O., bring years of medical expertise, while public members like del Rosal ensure the board doesn’t become an echo chamber. The process, subject to Senate confirmation, adds another layer of scrutiny.

Compare that to states like California, where executive orders have shielded providers from disciplinary actions on contentious issues like abortion, often at the expense of clear medical standards. Such moves prioritize politics over patient safety, undermining trust in regulation. Texas, under Abbott’s leadership, takes a different path, focusing on evidence-based oversight that doesn’t bend to fleeting cultural debates. The governor’s appointees are poised to uphold this standard, ensuring decisions are grounded in facts, not partisan pressure.

Public trust is at stake. Research shows that when regulatory boards appear captured by political or corporate interests, confidence in healthcare plummets. By appointing a diverse yet focused board, Abbott counters this trend. His picks signal that Texas values both professional rigor and public accountability, a balance that’s been eroded in states chasing ideological agendas.

Abbott’s appointments come at a pivotal moment. States across the country are rethinking professional licensing, with some, like Florida, pushing deregulation to cut red tape. Texas, however, strikes a smarter balance: streamlining processes without sacrificing oversight. The Texas Medical Board’s strategic plan for the next four years prioritizes timely licensure and robust credential checks, ensuring doctors can practice efficiently while patients are protected. These appointees will be the ones to execute that vision, and their track records suggest they’re up to the task.

Nationally, there’s a push for transparency in healthcare regulation. States like Indiana are increasing reporting requirements for healthcare transactions to curb consolidation and protect patients. Texas is part of this trend, and Abbott’s board picks are well-positioned to advance it. By fostering competition and cracking down on conflicts of interest, they can help restore faith in a system battered by years of mistrust.

Ultimately, these appointments are about more than filling seats. They’re about reclaiming control over healthcare regulation from federal bureaucrats and corporate giants. Texans deserve a medical system that works for them, not one dictated by distant agencies or profit-driven conglomerates. Abbott’s choices reflect that conviction, setting a standard other states would be wise to follow.

Governor Abbott’s latest move proves Texas isn’t waiting for permission to get healthcare right. His appointees to the Texas Medical Board bring the expertise, balance, and resolve needed to keep regulation local, transparent, and effective. From seasoned physicians to public advocates, this board is built to protect patients while pushing back against federal overreach and corporate influence.

The message is clear: Texas trusts its own to regulate medicine. By empowering a strong, state-led board, Abbott is charting a path toward a healthcare system that’s accountable to the people, not to Washington or Wall Street. As these appointees take their posts, they carry the weight of that vision, and Texans can rest easier knowing their health is in capable hands.