Texas Occupations Code - OCC § 168.003. Legislative Finding

The legislature finds that deaths resulting from the use of opioids and other controlled substances constitute a public health crisis and that there is a compelling state interest in the board closely regulating the prescribing of opioids and other controlled substances by physicians and their delegates.  Accordingly, the legislature finds that inspections and investigations conducted by the board, including the board's use of subpoenas for immediate production, inspection, and copying of medical and billing records, are necessary to adequately regulate the prescribing of opioids and other controlled substances in order to protect the public health and welfare.