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.