SRC-JBJ H.B. 504 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 504
76R2473 MLS-DBy: Tillery (Carona)
Economic Development
5/3/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

In 1995, the legislature amended the law relating to the qualifications of
an expert witness in a suit alleging negligence by a physician.
Previously, any "person" who met certain standards of experience or
knowledge could qualify as an expert witness.  Although it was intended
that physicians licensed in other states, not just those licensed in Texas,
could qualify as an expert witness, the term "physician" remains
statutorily defined as a person licensed to practice medicine in this
state.  H.B. 904 would define physician, for purposes of qualifying as an
expert witness, as a person licensed to practice medicine in the United
States. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 504 defines "physician" in the Medical Liability and
Insurance Improvement Act of Texas. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 14.01, Article 4590i, V.T.C.S. (Medical
Liability and Insurance Improvement Act of Texas), by adding Subsection
(g), to define "physician." 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.