BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 658
                                                        By: Madla
                                        Health and Human Services
                                                          4-20-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

In 1983, the Texas Legislature gave the State Board of Pharmacy the
authority to fund a peer assistance program to identify and assist
pharmacists and pharmacy students who are physically, chemically,
or mentally impaired.  In 1991, the cap on the amount of the
surcharge was increased from $1 to $5.  Since its inception, the
Pharmacist Recovery Network has assisted over 500 pharmacists.  As
the number of pharmacists entering the network increase it has
become apparent that the $5 surcharge is not adequate to fund the
program.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 658 increases the cost of a license or license
renewal fee from $5 to $10, which the State Board of Pharmacy is
authorized to charge in order to aid impaired pharmacists or
pharmacy students.

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 27A(g), Article 4542a-1, V.T.C.S. (Texas
Pharmacy Act) to increase the cost of a license or license renewal
fee from $5 to $10, which the State Board of Pharmacy is authorized
to charge in order to aid impaired pharmacists or pharmacy
students.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 27A(j), Article 4542a-1, V.T.C.S., to
make nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1995.
           Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.