LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
FISCAL NOTE
75th Regular Session
March 25, 1997
TO: Honorable Hugo Berlanga, Chair IN RE: House Bill No. 2091
Committee on Public Health By: Coleman
House
Austin, Texas
FROM: John Keel, Director
In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on HB2091 ( Relating
to the regulation of the practice of therapeutic optometry.)
this office has detemined the following:
Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by HB2091-As Introduced
Implementing the provisions of the bill would result in a net
impact of $0 to General Revenue Related Funds through the biennium
ending August 31, 1999.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal
basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions
of the bill.
The bill would amend sections 1.02 and 1.03
of the Texas Optometry Act, and add Section 1.04. Section 1.03
(d) would require the Optometry Board to adopt rules setting
forth specific classifications of pharmaceutical agents therapeutic
optometrists may use in the practice of therapeutic optometry.
Section 1.03 (f) would require the board to establish educational
standards and credentials required to perform surgical procedures.
Section 1.04 would require the University of Houston College
of Optometry to conduct a study analyzing the safety, efficacy,
and cost-effectiveness of laser surgery performed by therapeutic
optometrists and to submit a written report not later than January
1 of each year to the presiding officer of both houses of the
legislature.
Fiscal Analysis
The bill would result in a net impact of $0 to the general revenue
fund since the Optometry Board would raise fees to cover its
costs. The Optometry Board would increase its workforce by
one-half an FTE.
The College of Optometry would utilize
patient fees and grants to cover its costs.
To implement
the bill, both institutions would need increased appropriation
authority.
Methodolgy
Optometry Board:
1. One-half an additional FTE to perform
new credentialing services. The FTE would be classified at
Group 10, receiving $10,326 per year in salary and $2,603 per
year in benefits.
2. $22,776 in year one for printing and
mailing new rule and credentialing information. Remaining expenses
relate to computer programming and support.
College of Optometry:
1.
$60,000 per year for professional services.
2. $35,000
per year for review and assessment of project, and other operating
expenses.
3. $450,000 in year one for surgical and other
equipment.
The probable fiscal implications of implementing the provisions
of the bill during each of the first five years following passage
is estimated as follows:
Five Year Impact:
Fiscal Year Probable Probable Revenue Probable Probable Revenue Change in Number
Savings/(Cost) Gain/(Loss) from Savings/(Cost) Gain/(Loss) from of State
from General General Revenue from Other Other Employees from
Revenue Fund: Fund Educational and Educational and FY 1997
Board of Optometry General Income/ General Income/
GR-Dedicated GR-Dedicated
0001 0001 8022 8022
1998 ($46,185) $46,185 ($591,185) $591,185 0.5
1998 (15,609) 15,609 (110,609) 110,609 0.5
2000 (15,609) 15,609 (110,609) 110,609 0.5
2001 (15,609) 15,609 (110,609) 110,609 0.5
2002 (15,609) 15,609 (110,609) 110,609 0.5
Net Impact on General Revenue Related Funds:
The probable fiscal implication to General Revenue related funds
during each of the first five years is estimated as follows:
Fiscal Year Probable Net Postive/(Negative)
General Revenue Related Funds
Funds
1998 $0
1999 0
2000 0
2001 0
2002 0
Similar annual fiscal implications would continue as long as
the provisions of the bill are in effect.
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source: Agencies: 783 University of Houston System Administration
514 Optometry Board
LBB Staff: JK ,BB ,PP