SRC-MKV S.B. 643 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 643 By: Madla Health & Human Services 6/14/2001 Enrolled DIGEST AND PURPOSE S.B. 643 expands the definition of "acupuncture" to include evaluation and assessment of the condition. This bill adds an acupuncturist to the Texas Workers Compensation Commission Medical Advisory Committee and redefines "provider" to include acupuncturists. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners in SECTION 2 (Section 205.302, Occupations Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 205.001(2) and (4), Occupations Code, to redefine "acupuncture" and "acupuncturist." SECTION 2. Amends Section 205.302, Occupations Code, as follows: Sec. 205.302. AUTHORIZED PRACTICE WITHOUT REFERRAL. (a) Requires the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (medical board), after notice and public hearing, to determine by rule whether an acupuncturist may treat a patient for alcoholism or chronic pain without a referral from a physician, dentist, or chiropractor. Requires the medical board to make the determination based on clinical evidence and what the medical board determines to be in the best interest of affected patients. (b) Authorizes a license holder, without referral from a physician, dentist, or chiropractor, to perform acupuncture on a person for smoking addiction, weight loss, or substance abuse. SECTION 3. Amends Section 413.005(b), Labor Code, to add "acupuncturist" to the list of members that comprise the medical advisory committee. SECTION 4. Amends Section 2(t), Texas Health Maintenance Organization Act (Article 20A.02, V.T.I.C.), to redefine "provider." SECTION 5. (a) Effective date: September 1, 2001. (b) Requires the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules as required by this Act not later than December 15, 2001.