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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to participation by videoconference at informal |
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proceedings of the Texas Medical Board. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 164.003, Occupations Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows: |
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(c-1) A license holder may reply to the staff's presentation |
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and present facts under Subsection (c) by videoconference under |
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Section 164.0033. |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 164, Occupations Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 164.0033 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 164.0033. APPEARANCE BY VIDEOCONFERENCE IN INFORMAL |
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PROCEEDINGS. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, and subject to |
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Section 164.003(b), the board may hold informal proceedings under |
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this chapter by videoconference or, if a respondent is unable to |
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participate by videoconference, by telephone conference call. |
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(b) The board may authorize the board's legal counsel, a |
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member of the board's staff, or any other person authorized or |
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required to participate in informal proceedings under this chapter |
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to participate by videoconference. |
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(c) The board shall adopt procedures for holding informal |
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proceedings by videoconference that ensure that each participant is |
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clearly visible and audible while that participant is speaking. |
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SECTION 3. Section 164.004, Occupations Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
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(c) A license holder's appearance at an informal meeting by |
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videoconference as provided by Section 164.0033 constitutes |
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personal appearance under this section. |
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SECTION 4. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to |
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informal proceedings under Chapter 164, Occupations Code, that |
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occur on or after the effective date of this Act. |
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SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |