BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1503
81R8176 TJS-D By: Seliger
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District (district), like many rural hospitals, has had a very hard time attracting physicians to practice in the communities it serves. Current law prohibiting the "corporate practice of medicine" limits the district's ability to hire employees.
As proposed, S.B. 1503 authorizes the district's board of directors (board) to hire physicians or other health care providers as it deems necessary. The bill does not authorize the board to supervise or control the practice of medicine, as prohibited by Subtitle B (Physicians), Title 3 (Health Professions), Occupations Code.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 1018.061, Special District Local Laws Code, as effective April 1, 2009, by adding Subsections (d) and (e), as follows:
(d) Authorizes the board of directors of the Dallas-Hartley Counties Hospital District (board) to employ physicians or other health care providers as the board considers necessary for the efficient operation of the district.
(e) Prohibits this section from being construed as authorizing the board to supervise or control the practice of medicine, as prohibited by Subtitle B (Physicians), Title 3 (Health Professions), Occupations Code.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.