BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2351

By: McClendon

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In order to meet its obligations to its community and provide care for the needy and indigent population of South Texas, the Bexar County Hospital District needs greater flexibility with regard to the employment arrangements available to the district.

H.B. 2351 allows the Bexar County Hospital District to employ physicians directly.

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

H.B. 2351 amends the Health and Safety Code to authorize the board of hospital managers of the Bexar County Hospital District to employ physicians as the board considers necessary for the efficient operation of the district.  The bill requires a physician employed by the hospital district to practice with a nonprofit health organization certified by the Texas Medical Board and created by the hospital district.  The bill prohibits the term of an employment contract entered into under the bill's provisions from exceeding four years.  The bill prohibits its provisions from being construed as authorizing the board to supervise or control the practice of medicine, as prohibited by the Medical Practice Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.