SRC-JJJ C.S.S.B. 1378 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1378
76R11820 CAG-DBy: Shapleigh
Border Affairs - Special
4/9/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, there are no free standing state or private medical schools in
the Texas-Mexico border region.  Residents of this region face many health
challenges, including a shortage of health care providers and facilities,
as well as sporadic outbreak of infectious diseases that are associated
with underdeveloped nations.  C.S.S.B. 1378 would require the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with other medical
professionals, to conduct a  review of medical training needs in the
Texas-Mexico border region. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1378 requires the texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board review of medical training needs in the Texas-Mexico border region. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Defines "border region."  Requires the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board (THECB), in consultation with certain agencies in the
health field, to conduct a review of medical training needs of health care
professionals in the border region.  Establishes required conditions for
THECB in conducting the review.  Requires THECB and the Texas Department of
Health to make recommendations on any action needed to address the medical
training needs regarding certain issues in the border region. Requires
THECB to report findings and recommendations for any necessary legislation
needed to address conditions relating to health care professionals,
facilities, and related needs in the border region to the governor,
lieutenant governor, speaker of the house and the 77th Legislature, not
later than January 1, 2001. 

SECTION 2.  Provides that this Act expires January 2, 2001.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.  

Defines "border region."  Requires the THECB to conduct a review of medical
training needs of health care professionals in the border region.  Includes
the consultation and consideration of a variety of health care professional
and industries, rather than solely THECB.  Requires THECB and the Texas
Department of Health to make recommendations on any action needed to
address certain health care needs in the border region.