By: Nelson S.B. No. 141
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a feasibility study regarding joint health science
courses at a public or private institution of higher education.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 61.0661 to read as follows:
       Sec. 61.0661.  FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING JOINT HEALTH
SCIENCE COURSES.  (a)  The board, in consultation with the
administrative head or the designee of the administrative head of
each state agency that is a member of or otherwise represented on
the Health Professions Council and with appropriate
representatives of private or independent institutions of higher
education, shall conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of a
public or private institution 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)  Not later than September 30, 2008, the board shall
complete the study required by Subsection (a) and based on the study
shall submit to the governing body of each public or private
institution of higher education that offers health science or
health profession education programs, the governor, and the
legislature a report that includes any recommendations of the board
or the other study participants concerning:
             (1)  whether it is feasible to provide courses
described by Subsection (a);
             (2)  which, if any, such courses should be offered;
             (3)  which, if any, public or private institutions of
higher education or which types of such institutions should offer
the courses; and
             (4)  any other relevant issues the study participants
determine would be helpful in making decisions concerning the
feasibility of offering joint health science courses.
       (c)  This section expires January 1, 2009.
       SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2007.