BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 141
80R2715 CAS-D By: Nelson
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, there is no law that directly addresses joint health classes for health professions students. This bill commissions a study that would seek to remedy an apparent lack of professors for basic health science courses and provide health professionals with a greater understanding of general health science, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between the different health professions.
As proposed, S.B. 141 directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and members of the Health Professions Council to study the feasibility of health professions students taking combined health science classes.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.0661, as follows:
Sec. 61.0661. FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING JOINT HEALTH SCIENCE COURSES. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), in consultation with the administrative heads of state agencies that are members of the Health Professions Council or designees thereof, to conduct a study evaluating the feasibility of institutions of higher education providing courses in which students enrolled in different health science or health profession education programs may enroll to study basic health science curricula together.
(b) Specifies a timeframe for the completion of the study as well as to whom a recommendation report, based on the study, is to be submitted. Sets forth content requirements that are to be included in the report.
(c) Provides that this section expires January 1, 2009.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.