BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.B. 335

82R3877 MAW-F

By: Fraser

 

Health & Human Services

 

3/4/2011

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The Health Spa Act (Chapter 702, Occupations Code) currently exempts some hospitals but unintentionally includes others.  The Act exempts wellness centers operated by nonprofit hospitals from having to register as a "health spa."  However, there is no exception for government-owned hospitals.  The unintended requirement that government-owned hospitals register is a case of unnecessary regulation for an entity that is already licensed by the state.

 

S.B. 335 adds an exemption from regulation as a health spa for a hospital or clinic owned or operated by an agency of the state or federal government or by a political subdivision of the state to current state law.

 

As proposed, S.B. 335 amends current law relating to an exemption from regulation as health spas for certain governmental hospitals and clinics.

 

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 702.003(4), Occupations Code, to redefine "health spa" as a term that does not include a hospital or clinic owned or operated by an agency of the state or federal government or by a political subdivision of this state.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2011.