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BILL ANALYSIS |
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By: Branch |
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Since 1977, the Legislature has created and funded a number of programs in support of Graduate Medical Education (GME) – the training of resident physicians. The purpose of these programs is to increase the number of physicians in the state and thus improve access to health care.
During the 79th Session, the Legislature created a new method of funding resident physicians called “Formula GME Funding.” Subsequent to the creation of the GME formula, the Higher Education Coordinating Board instituted a number of rules relating to eligibility standards, reporting requirements and other issues pertaining to the management of the program.
The purpose of HB 3456 is to clarify the 1981 law authorizing Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) to receive GME funding. Under this bill: 1) Baylor College of Medicine will continue to have the statutory authority to receive GME funding, and 2) the Coordinating Board will continue to have the authority to contract with BCM,
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
House Bill 3456 amends the Education Code by removing and adding language to require that Graduate Medical Education funding disbursed to Baylor College of Medicine be spent by the school exclusively for the education, training, development, and preparation of resident physicians for a career in medicine.
The changes in law made by the bill apply only to contracts entered into or renewed on or after the effective date. The bill also makes conforming and non-substantive changes.
REPEALED SECTIONS
H.B. 3456 repeals Section 61.098 and 61.099, Education Code.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2009.