SRC-VRA S.B. 769 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 769 78R5710 SMH-FBy: Carona Health & Human Services 3/17/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The 77th Texas Legislature set forth provisions relating to the practice, education, and training of a surgical assistant, and created an advisory committee to advise the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners concerning the regulation of surgical assistants. However, inconsistencies between the state statutory surgical assistant licensure processes and federal surgical assistant certification standards have led to a surgical assistance shortage in Texas. As proposed, S.B. 769 would reduce the current 2000 hour requirement to 1200 hours to more closely reflect the work experience requirements of the national certifying bodies. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Ruelemaking authority expressly granted to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners is modified in SECTION 3 (Section 206.210(a), Occupations Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 206.203(b), Occupations Code, to decrease from 2,000 to 1,200 the required number of hours of performance for licensing as an assistant in surgical procedures. SECTION 2. Amends Section 206.205, Occupations Code, by amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsection (d), as follows: (b) Provides that a person who is otherwise eligible for a license under Section 206.203 is not required to meet the educational requirements under Section 206.203(B)(2), if the person applies for a license before September 1, 2007, holds at least an associate's degree, has successfully completed certain academic courses approved by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBME) and has graduated from a surgical assistant program approved by TSBME. Makes conforming changes. (c) Makes a conforming change. (d) Authorizes TSBME to approve certain academic courses and programs. SECTION 3. Amends Section 206.210(a), Occupations Code, to provide that a surgical assistant's license expires on the second anniversary of the date of issuance. Requires TSBME by rule to provide for the renewal of a surgical assistant license. SECTION 4. Amends Chapter 206F, Occupations Code, by adding Section 206.2525, as follows: Sec. 206.2525. REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES. (a) Provides that this chapter does not limit the way in which a surgical assistant licensed under this chapter may be reimbursed for services. (b) Authorizes a surgical assistant licensed under this chapter to directly bill a patient or third-party payor for services provided by the surgical assistant. SECTION 5.(a) Effective date: September 1, 2003. (b) Makes application of Section 206.210(a), as amended by this Act prospective.