LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 6, 2003

TO:	Honorable Jaime Capelo, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2834 by Zedler (Relating to the licensing and regulation of surgical technologists; providing a penalty.), As Introduced

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2834, As Introduced: a positive impact of $8,633 through the biennium ending August 31, 2005.

The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

General Revenue-Related Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Net Positive/(Negative) Impact to General Revenue Related Funds
2004	$19,564
2005	($10,931)
2006	$1,761
2007	$2,513
2008	$1,761

All Funds, Five-Year Impact:

Fiscal Year	Probable Revenue Gain from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1	Probable (Cost) from GENERAL REVENUE FUND 1	Change in Number of State Employees from FY 2003
2004	$150,500	($130,936)	1.5
2005	$150,500	($161,431)	0.8
2006	$150,500	($148,739)	0.8
2007	$150,500	($147,987)	0.8
2008	$150,500	($148,739)	0.8

Fiscal Analysis

The bill relates to the licensure and regulation of surgical technologists.  The bill would amend the Occupations Code by adding Chapter 207, creating a nine-member governor-appointed board, the Texas Board of Surgical Technologists (board).  The duties of the board would include developing rules, establishing qualifications for licensure, approving continuing education programs, sanctioning license holders for violations of the chapter, and establishing reasonable fees to cover the cost of operating the regulatory program.
 
The bill would take effect September 1, 2003, except for Sections 207.201 and Subchapters G and H, Chapter 207, Occupations Code, which would take effect September 1, 2005.

The bill would provide the Department of Health with authority to set fees to cover the cost of administering the licensing and regulation of Surgical Technologists. 

Methodology

Based on the Department of Health's analysis, the cost estimate includes the following assumptions:

1. The nine member board would meet three times per year, each time for a two day period, to conduct business.  Two meetings would be held in Austin, with members receiving per diem and reimbursement for transportation. 

2. The number of individuals who would seek licensure = 3500.  A $43 licensure fee is assumed.

3. Staff to support the board includes an Executive Director, a Program Administrator III (decrease to 0.5 FTE in fiscal years 2005 through 2008), an Administrative Technician III and an Administrative Technician II (starting in fiscal year 2005).  All fiscal year 2004 staffing is prorated to 9 months to allow for establishment of program.

4. Software development to track the program activity would be provided at $60 per hour.

5. Current Department of Health support would be utilized for a variety of support activities.

Technology

The Department of Health would utilize 3 computers and 1 laser printer during the 2004-2005 biennium, for a total of $7,400.  Software development and maintenance from fiscal years 2004 to 2008 would cost $10,500. 

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

116 Sunset Advisory Commission, 501 Department of Health

LBB Staff:

JK, EB, KF, MB