SRC-JBJ C.S.H.B. 504 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 504 76R14537 DAK-DBy: Tillery (Carona) Economic Development 5/5/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.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, C.S.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" to mean a person who is licensed to practice medicine in the United States, or a graduate of a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends proposed Subsection (g), Section 14.01, Article 4590i, V.T.C.S., to redefine "physician," to include a graduate of a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.