BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 412
82R3383 SLB-F	By: Aycock (Hegar)
	Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	5/11/2011
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current law authorizes the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TSBVME) to establish a peer assistance program that complies with provisions of the Health and Safety Code relating to peer assistance programs for professionals who are impaired by chemical dependency or drugs or alcohol or by mental illness.  H.B. 412 amends current law to authorize TSBVME to issue a disciplinary order requiring an impaired veterinary to participate in the program.

H.B. 412 amends current law relating to the requirement that certain impaired veterinarians participate in a  peer assistance program.

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 801.401, Occupations Code, by adding Subsection (e), to authorize the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TSBVME) to issue a disciplinary order directing a veterinarian to participate in the peer assistance program under Section 801.157 (Peer Assistance Program) if TSBVME determines that the veterinarian is an impaired professional as defined by Section 467.001 (Definitions), Health and Safety Code.

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2011.