Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 361 amends the Medical Practice Act to continue the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners until September 1, 2005. The act expands the list of offenses for which a license to practice acupuncture may be denied or revoked and authorizes the acupuncture board to take certain additional disciplinary actions for the offenses. The acupuncture board is also authorized to impose a nondisciplinary rehabilitation order on a licensee or applicant for substance abuse or for a mental or physical condition that limits the person's ability to safely practice acupuncture. Senate Bill 361 increases to a third degree felony the offense for practicing acupuncture without a license and authorizes the acupuncture board to issue subpoenas.

            In addition, Senate Bill 361 requires a person licensed to practice acupuncture to file current address information with the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and authorizes the acupuncture board to issue a temporary license to an applicant who meets certain qualifications. It also updates sections relating to sunset recommendations that are applied to all agencies.