BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 2494

                                                                                                                                        By: Zaffirini

Intergovernmental Relations

4/21/2009

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current Texas law prohibits hospitals from employing their own physicians.  This legislation will allow the Starr County Hospital District (district) to employ a physician if the physician requests to be an employee of the hospital.  This will facilitate the ability of the district to recruit physicians into the community, which enhances access to care. 

As proposed, S.B. 2494 authorizes the board of trustees of the Starr County Hospital District of Starr County to employ physicians, dentists, and podiatrists as considered necessary for the efficient operation of the district.

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 5, Chapter 118, Acts of the 63rd Legislature, Regular Session, 1973, by adding Subsection (k), to authorize the Starr County Hospital District of Starr County board of trustees (board) to employ physicians, dentists, and podiatrists as the board considers necessary for the efficient operation of the district.  Prohibits this subsection 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.