BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 776
By: Jackson, Mike
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Some institutions of higher education (institution) that offer doctoral level chiropractic degrees, including out-of-state institutions and two in Texas, also offer undergraduate courses unrelated to those doctoral level chiropractic degree programs. For example, one Texas school offers courses leading to baccalaureate degrees in human biology and public health. These institutions are accredited by state and regional agencies and their undergraduate course credits are fully transferable to other accredited institutions. Their chiropractic degree programs are separately accredited by nationally recognized organizations in that field.
The staff of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (board) have questioned whether undergraduate courses taken at one of the Texas institutions constitute college hours completed "at a school other than a chiropractic school." In June 2006, an attorney general's opinion was requested regarding undergraduate education requirements for licensure as a chiropractor (RQ-0494-GA). The attorney general's opinion (GA-0487) was rendered on December 4, 2006, stating that a student's undergraduate coursework at a chiropractic college does count toward the degree plan.
S.B. 776 clarifies existing law regarding whether undergraduate courses at a chiropractic college counts toward an undergraduate degree plan.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 201.052(a), Occupations Code, to include a member of the faculty or board of trustees of a doctor of chiropractic degree program as a person ineligible to serve as a member of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (board).
SECTION 2. Amends Section 201.159(a), Occupations Code, to require the board to preserve a record of its proceedings in a register that contains the amount of time spent by the applicant in the study of chiropractic in respective doctor of chiropractic degree programs, rather than chiropractic schools.
SECTION 3. Amends Sections 201.302(a) and (d), Occupations Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 4. Amends Section 201.303(d), Occupations Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 5. Amends Section 201.309, Occupations Code, to make conforming changes.
SECTION 6. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 7. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.