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.