H.B. 1592 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 1592 By: Nixon Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In past committee hearings, we have heard testimony from victims where a doctor had operated or treated a patient while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The intent of this bill is to make such behavior by medical professionals a criminal offense -- when the life or health of a patient is endangered. Such conduct should not be tolerated, and should be treated as criminal behavior. A person who drives while intoxicated and injures or kills someone is subject to criminal punishment-a medical professional who injures or kills a patient while intoxicated should be treated similarly. House Bill 1592 makes it an offense for a person licensed or regulated under the Medical Practice Act to perform a procedure while intoxicated. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1592 makes it an offense for a person licensed or regulated under the Medical Practice Act to perform a procedure while intoxicated. The offense is a state jail felony. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003.