HBA-BSM S.B. 1106 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1106
By: Bernsen
Civil Practices
5/7/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Medical Liability and Insurance Improvement Act of Texas (Act) was
enacted in 1977 in response to the medical malpractice insurance crisis.
Optometrists were not included at the time because the incidence of
malpractice suits against optometrists was low, and it was thought that
adding them to the Act might increase the number of optometry malpractice
claims rather than lower them.  Senate Bill 1106 adds optometrists and
therapeutic optometrists to the list of health care providers covered by
the Act.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 1106 amends the Medical Liability and Insurance Improvement Act
of Texas to include optometrist or therapeutic optometrist in the
definition of "health care provider." 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.