Physician Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Texas

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Texas.

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Texas boasts a history marked by a recurring theme of transformation. Native American civilizations thrived before Spanish conquistadors claimed the land. Mexico won independence from Spain, only to see Texas break away to form its own republic. After statehood, ranching empires dominated until the discovery of oil brought industrialization. The 20th century saw further change with technology and space exploration. Today, Texas is an economic powerhouse, a blend of vast landscapes, diverse communities, and the legacy of its ever-evolving past.

The Lone Star Republic was born, a scrappy and independent nation, before joining the USA. Cattle drives, oil booms, and even space exploration shaped the state. Today, Texas does everything big – from gleaming cities to classic honky-tonks. Texas is an economic powerhouse, a blend of vast landscapes, diverse communities, and the legacy of its ever-evolving past, with a heaping side of Texas pride.

• The Alamo & Texas History: Remember the Alamo in San Antonio, explore missions along the San Antonio Riverwalk, and relive legendary stories of the Texas Revolution.
• Cities & Culture: Experience the vibrant energy of Austin, Houston, or Dallas, with world-class museums, live music, and diverse culinary scenes.
• Hill Country Charm: Take a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country, visiting quaint towns, tasting at wineries, and swimming in natural springs.
• Coastal Adventures: Soak up the sun on the beaches of South Padre Island, enjoy water sports in Galveston, or explore the lively city of Corpus Christi.

• Oklahoma: Texas shares its entire northern border with Oklahoma. The distance from central Texas to the Oklahoma border is negligible. 
• New Mexico: Texas shares a long western border with New Mexico.  The distance from central Texas to the New Mexico border is approximately 650 miles. 
• Louisiana: Texas’s eastern border is formed by the Sabine River, with Louisiana situated on the other side. The distance from central Texas to the Louisiana border is around 300 miles.

Can Physicians Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in Texas? 

Physicians in Texas can sign POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms. POLST forms are medical documents that allow patients to express their end-of-life care preferences. Patients can also choose to have their form reviewed and updated regularly as their medical condition may change. POLST forms ensure that patients’ end-of-life care wishes are respected and serve as a valuable resource for patients, families, and healthcare providers.

Can Physicians Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Texas?

In Texas, physicians can execute Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, which guide healthcare professionals in withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-sustaining measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. The process involves a collaborative effort between the physician, patient, and, in some cases, the patient’s family. The physician discusses the patient’s prognosis, treatment options, and values regarding end-of-life care. Once the patient understands the implications and expresses their wishes, the physician prepares and signs the DNR order, which becomes part of the patient’s medical record. In Texas, DNR orders are recognized and respected by healthcare providers, ensuring that patient wishes are upheld.

What are the Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physicians in Texas?

In Texas, medical practitioners, including physicians, must complete 48 CME hours every two years to maintain their licenses. The Texas Medical Board (TMB) requires these hours to ensure competent healthcare delivery. At least 12 hours must be dedicated to patient safety and risk management, and 3 hours to cultural competency and health disparities. Physicians can earn CME hours through accredited activities, self-directed learning, or research. Failure to meet the requirements may result in disciplinary action from the TMB. Fulfilling CME requirements demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and improves the quality of healthcare for patients in Texas.