80(R) SB 30 - Engrossed version

The bill amends the Occupations code relating to additional eligibility requirements for license applicants who are not United States citizens. The bill requires the Texas Medical Board (TMB) to adopt rules and procedures no later than May 1, 2008 to require such applicants to present satisfactory proof to the TMB that they have practiced or have signed an agreement to practice medicine as a condition of the license for at least three years in Texas in an area that is designated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as a health professional shortage area or a medically underserved area.

According to the agency, the provisions of the bill would require the TMB to adopt rules and procedures to incorporate the new license type into the agency's physician license application process, licensure database and agency reports. Changes to the agency's database are estimated to include 320 hours of programming costs at $75 an hour. The agency estimates a total cost of $24,000 in fiscal year 2008 for programming costs to comply with the provisions of the bill. No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated based on agency estimated General Revenue expenditures of approximately $11.1 million in fiscal years 2006-07.

Based on the analysis of the bill, it is also assumed that the TMB would adjust fees to cover any additional costs associated with the implementation of this bill.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


April 3, 2007

TO:	Honorable Dianne White Delisi, Chair, House Committee on Public Health

FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	SB30 by Nelson (Relating to the eligibility of certain aliens for a license to practice medicine in this state.), As Engrossed