S.B. 594 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 594
By: Van de Putte
Public Health
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The current definition of "ambulatory surgical center" in the Health and
Safety Code can be interpreted to prevent a patient undergoing outpatient
surgery from staying in such a center past midnight, regardless of when
the surgery took place or the condition of the patient.  The Act changes
the definition of "ambulatory surgical center." 

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

Amends Section 243.002(1), Health and Safety Code, by redefining
"ambulatory surgical center" as a facility that operates primarily to
provide surgical services to patients who require a recovery period of 24
hours or less after the completion of the patient's procedure. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

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

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

The amendment defines two situations that are not considered "overnight
hospital care."