SRC-DBM S.B. 1347 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1347
76R8780 TBy: Lindsay
Health Services
4/26/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are
required to obtain a specifically mandated number of continuing education
units (CEUs) as a prerequisite to licensure renewal each biennium (three
and two, respectively).  The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners'
agency support staff evaluates and approves programs offering CEUs.
Allowing this function to be outsourced will not only allow agency staff to
be available for other duties, but can also be expected to enhance the
quality of the CEU programs.  S.B. 1347 would authorize the evaluation and
approval of continuing education for physical therapists. 


PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1347  authorizes the evaluation and approval of
continuing education for physical 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 16A, Article 4512e, V.T.C.S., to require the
Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to authorize licensee peer
organizations to evaluate and approve continuing education courses in
accordance with the established process. 

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