SRC-DBM H.B. 677 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 677
By: Janek (Nelson)
Health Services
4/18/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners is in the process of
changing the present institutional permit to a postgraduate resident
permit.  As a result, some county probate courts have determined that
intern and resident physicians providing mental services under an
institutional permit do not meet the definition of "physician" in the Texas
Mental Health Code.  H.B. 677 would redefine "physician." 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 677 redefines "physician" to determine who may provide
certain mental health services. 

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 571.003(18), Health and Safety Code, to redefine
"physician" to mean a person authorized to perform medical acts under an
institutional permit at a Texas postgraduate training program approved by
the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education, the American
Osteopathic Association, or the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.
Makes conforming changes. 

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