BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 335

By: Fraser

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Certain wellness centers operated by nonprofit hospitals are currently exempt from having to register as a health spa under provisions of the Health Spa Act. However, there is no exception for government-owned hospitals, meaning some hospitals already licensed by the state must also register with the state to lawfully operate a wellness center.

S.B. 335 seeks to exempt a hospital or clinic owned or operated by an agency of the state or federal government or by a political subdivision of the state from the requirement to register as a health spa.

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

S.B. 335 amends the Occupations Code to include a hospital or clinic owned or operated by an agency of the state or federal government or by a political subdivision of the state among the facilities excluded from the meaning of the term "health spa" for the purposes of the regulation of certain health professions under the Health Spa Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.