LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 75th Regular Session May 13, 1997 TO: Honorable Judith Zaffirini, Chair IN RE: House Bill No. 2088, As Engrossed Committee on Health & Human Services By: Cuellar Senate Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on HB2088 ( Relating to the regulation of certain midwives; providing administrative penalties.) this office has detemined the following: Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by HB2088-As Engrossed No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. Fiscal Analysis This bill would require the midwifery board, subject to approval by the Board of Health, to adopt rules prescribing standards for the practice of midwifery. The bill would require the board to adopt a midwifery examination. The bill would identify grounds for disciplinary action, and would allow the board to suspend or revoke a midwife's documentation letter. The bill would also allow the department to assess administrative penalties against persons who violate the Act or rules adopted under the Act. The department would be required to notify the person alleged to have violated the Act. The department may assess reasonable expenses and costs against a person if as a result of administrative hearings, an administrative penalty is assessed against that person. Methodology According to the Department of Health, there would be a few hearings related to administrative penalties annually and the department could absorb any associated costs. No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source: Agencies: LBB Staff: JK ,BB