BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

C.S.S.B. 1265

82R25486 ALB-F

By: Uresti

 

Health & Human Services

 

5/3/2011

 

Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

C.S.S.B. 1265 amends current law relating to the accreditation of paramedic training programs.

 

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 Subchapter C, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, by adding Sections 773.0506 and 773.0507, as follows:

 

Sec. 773.0506.  ACCREDITATION OF PARAMEDIC TRAINING PROGRAMS.  (a)  Requires the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to post on DSHS's Internet website information related to the accreditation process for a paramedic training program, including a schedule of workshops and online seminars related to the accreditation process.

 

(b)  Requires DSHS, in awarding local project grant funds intended for paramedic training programs, to give priority to paramedic training programs that:

 

(1)  serve a rural area of the state;

 

(2)  serve an area of the state along the international border;

 

(3)  are financially sound but have a demonstrated need for financial help to become accredited; or

 

(4)  are unable to enter into a consortium agreement because of geographic location.

 

Sec. 773.0507.  PARAMEDIC TRAINING PROGRAM ACCREDITATION STUDY.  (a)  Requires the advisory council established under Section 773.012 (Advisory Council) to coordinate with DSHS and the Texas Department of Rural Affairs to study the effect that a national accreditation requirement would have on:

 

(1)  private paramedic training programs;

 

(2)  the availability of paramedic training program in rural areas of this state; and

 

(3)  the availability of paramedics in rural areas of the state and areas of the state along the international border.

 

(b)  Requires that the study evaluate the options for accrediting paramedic training program providers in this state, including examining the requirements in other states relating to paramedic training program.

 

(c)  Requires the advisory council, not later than September 1, 2012, to report to the legislature the findings of the study and the council's recommendations regarding paramedic training that will increase the availability of high-quality paramedic training programs in urban and rural areas of this state.

 

(d)  Provides that this section expires September 1, 2013.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2011.