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.