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."