BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 323 By: Nixon Health and Human Services 2-16-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND A conflict currently exists between the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners' desire to ensure that medical education taken within the United States is appropriately accredited and the Board of Medical Examiners' ability to grant a license to a person who may have fallen outside the appropriate accreditation requirements in taking some education in the United States, but who has subsequently achieved board certification in a medical specialty. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 323 clarifies certain educational standards, but permits flexibility in licensing physicians who demonstrate high training skills. 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 Section 3.04, Article 4495b, V.T.C.S. (Medical Practice Act), by amending Subsections (a) and (d) and adding Subsection (f), as follows: (a) Requires an applicant for a license to present proof of graduation from an acceptable osteopathic or medical school. (d) Requires all medical, rather than allopathic, education received to be accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (department), rather than by the department and the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. Provides that this subsection does not apply to postgraduate medical education or training. (f) Provides that an applicant who is unable to comply with the requirements of Subsection (d) is eligible for an unrestricted license if the applicant is specialty board certified by a board approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.