SRC-DBM S.B. 676 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 676
76R5478  JMM-FBy: Lucio
Health Services
3/11/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law has no sanctions or penalties which would prevent a
person without adequate instruction and training in manipulations or
adjustments of the human spine from performing this procedure.  Spinal
manipulations or adjustments by improperly trained persons pose potential
health risks to the public.  S.B. 676 would regulate the practice of spinal
manipulation by certain health care providers and provide a penalty for
unqualified persons attempting to practice spinal manipulation. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 676 regulates the practice of spinal manipulation by
certain health care providers and provides a penalty for unqualified
persons attempting to practice spinal manipulation. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "health care provider," "license,"
"spinal manipulation," and "state agency." 

SECTION 2.  PERFORMANCE OF SPINAL MANIPULATION.  Authorizes only
physicians, including osteopaths and licensed chiropractors, to perform
spinal manipulation. 

SECTION 3.  SANCTIONS.  Provides that a health care provider who violates
this Act is subject to suspension or revocation of a person's license,
refusal to renew a person's license, or any other disciplinary action
authorized by law. 

SECTION 4.   OFFENSE.  Provides that a person commits a third degree
feloney if the person is not a health care provider and the person performs
a spinal manipulation for compensation or an expectation of compensation. 

SECTION 5.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 6.Emergency clause.