Texas Medical Board Disputes Paxton's Claims Backing Houston Doctor

State regulators say Attorney General made 'inaccurate statements' in supporting doctor's lawsuit against the agency.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Texas Medical Board has responded to claims made by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office in support of Houston doctor Mary Talley Bowden's lawsuit against the state agency. The medical board said Paxton's office made 'numerous inaccurate statements' in court filings and statements when it sided with Bowden, who has faced discipline over her COVID-19 treatment practices. The board said it has 'ample justification' for disciplining Bowden and plans to 'vigorously contest' Paxton's claims.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between state medical regulators, elected officials, and doctors who have taken controversial stances on COVID-19 treatments. It raises questions about the appropriate role of the attorney general's office in overriding disciplinary actions taken by professional licensing boards.

The details

The Texas Medical Board issued a public reprimand to Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, an ear, nose and throat specialist, over her treatment of a COVID-19 patient. Bowden filed a lawsuit arguing the board had no evidence to support the accusation that she engaged in unprofessional conduct. Paxton's office then announced it would not defend the state agency in the lawsuit, accusing the medical board of 'acting on nothing more than personal animosity and spite' against Bowden. However, the medical board said some of Paxton's claims were 'erroneous' and that it has 'ample justification' for disciplining Bowden.

  • The Texas Medical Board issued a public reprimand to Dr. Bowden in 2021.
  • Bowden filed her lawsuit against the medical board last month.

The players

Texas Medical Board

A state agency tasked with protecting the public by licensing and disciplining physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Ken Paxton

The Attorney General of Texas who has sided with Dr. Bowden in her legal battle against the state medical board.

Dr. Mary Talley Bowden

A Houston-based ear, nose and throat specialist who has faced discipline from the Texas Medical Board over her COVID-19 treatment practices, including her support for using ivermectin.

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What they’re saying

“I will not stand by as Dr. Bowden has her Constitutional rights trampled and ability to serve her patients impeded with an illegal reprimand.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General (Houston Chronicle)

“(The board) has provided ample justification for disciplining Dr. Bowden for attempting to treat a patient at a hospital in which she did not have privileges.”

— Texas Medical Board (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Texas Medical Board is still evaluating its options for legal representation in the case now that Paxton's office is not defending the agency.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between state medical regulators, elected officials, and doctors who have taken controversial stances on COVID-19 treatments. It raises questions about the appropriate role of the attorney general's office in overriding disciplinary actions taken by professional licensing boards.