Texas House Bill 3878 was introduced, which would allow physicians to dispense “dangerous drugs” directly to patients without a pharmacy license.

Current regulations define “dangerous drugs” as a device or a drug that is unsafe for self-medication and that is not included in Schedules I through V or Penalty Groups 1 through 4 of Chapter 481 (Texas Controlled Substances Act). The term includes a device or a drug that bears or is required to bear the legend:

• "Caution: federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription" or "Rx only" or another legend that complies with federal law
• "Caution: federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian."

This bill would however prohibit the physician dispensing of dangerous compounds and the physician operation of a retail pharmacy. The bill would allow for reimbursements for drug cost but still continue to limit dispensing to injured workers in rural areas.

If enacted, this bill would go into effect September 1, 2025.

Texas House Bill 4051 was also introduced, which would expand the authority of certain healthcare providers to dispense dangerous drugs directly to patients. This bill would allow physicians or persons acting under physician’s supervision to provide or dispense dangerous drugs. If enacted, this bill would take effect September 1, 2025.