BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         H.B. 856
                                        By: Harris, Jack (Sibley)
                                             Economic Development
                                                          3-15-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Sunset legislation for the Texas Board of Dental Examiners did not
include specialty practices such as oral and maxillofacial surgery. 
Clearly defining the scope of practice definitions eliminates
confusion between the fields of medicine and dentistry. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 856 sets forth the area of practice included in
the dental specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 9, Title 71, V.T.C.S., by adding Article
4548b, as follows:

     Art. 4548b.  ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY.  Provides that
     oral and maxillofacial surgery includes the diagnosis and the
     surgical adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and
     defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of
     the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial
     region.
SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.