SRC-ARR S.B. 556 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 556
By: Nelson
Health Services
6/29/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas authorizes physicians licensed to practice in the State of
Texas to refer patients to an occupational therapist. In some cases it is
necessary for a licensed chiropractor or podiatrist operating in the scope
of practice to be able to refer patients to an occupational therapist for
treatment. S.B. 556 will authorize licensed qualified health care
professionals, within the scope of the professional's licensure, to refer
health care services to occupational therapists. 
 
PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 556 authorizes referrals to occupational therapists.

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 27, Article 8851, V.T.C.S.(Occupational Therapy
Practice Act), as follows: 

Sec. 27. New heading: PRACTITIONER'S REFERRAL. Requires implementation of
direct occupational therapy to individuals for their specific health care
conditions, rather than medical conditions, to be based on  a referral from
a physician licensed by the physicians's respective state licensing board.
Provides that the professional taking an action under this section is a
referring practitioner. Deletes text regarding a physician licensed to
practice in the State of Texas. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.