S.B. No. 769




AN ACT

relating to the licensing and regulation of surgical assistants.              
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subsection (a), Section 206.210, Occupations 
Code, is amended to read as follows:
	(a)  A surgical assistant license expires on the second 
anniversary of the date of issuance.  The medical board by rule 
shall provide for the [annual] renewal of a surgical assistant 
license.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter F, Chapter 206, Occupations Code, is 
amended by adding Section 206.2525 to read as follows:
	Sec. 206.2525.  REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES.  (a)  This 
chapter does not limit the way in which a surgical assistant 
licensed under this chapter may be reimbursed for services.
	(b)  A surgical assistant licensed under this chapter may 
directly bill a patient or third-party payor for services provided 
by the surgical assistant.
	SECTION 3.  (a)  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.                      
	(b)  Subsection (a), Section 206.210, Occupations Code, as 
amended by this Act, applies only to the expiration of an original 
or renewal license that is issued on or after the effective date of 
this Act.

                                                                              




______________________________    ______________________________
President of the Senate             Speaker of the House
	I hereby certify that S.B. No. 769 passed the Senate on 
May 12, 2003, by a viva-voce vote.




______________________________ 
   Secretary of the Senate             
	I hereby certify that S.B. No. 769 passed the House on 
May 28, 2003, by a non-record vote.




______________________________ 
   Chief Clerk of the House            



Approved:


______________________________ 
            Date



______________________________ 
          Governor