H.B. 2800 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2800
By: Thompson
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 
Some applicants for medical licensing have difficulties passing certain
sections of the required medical examination under the Medical Practice
Act of Texas.  This bill would  amend the Medical Practice Act of Texas
concerning reexaminations. 

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
SECTION 1. Amends Section 155.056, Occupations Code, Reexamination to read
as follows: (a) An applicant must pass an examination administered or
required. (b)The board may by rule limit the number of attempts an
applicant may take the required exam before passing.  However, the board
must consider an applicant to have satisfied all requirements of this
section if the applicant: 
(1) passed all but one part of an examination within three attempts may
take the remaining part of the examination one additional time;  
(2) or has passed all but one part of an examination approved by the board
within three attempts and passed the remaining part of the examination
within five attempts and completes in this state an additional two years
of post graduate medical training approved by the medical board; or  
(3) is specialty board certified by a speciality board that:
 (A) is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialities;
 (B) is approved by the American Osteopathic Association;
 or
 (C) is speciality board certified by a speciality board that is approved
by the board 

SECTION 2. This Act shall be given retroactive application

SECTION 3. Act effective after its passage.

EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if this Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.