By: Huffman, Rodriguez S.B. No. 240

(In the Senate - Filed November 29, 2010; January 31, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services; February 22, 2011, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; February 22, 2011, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to examination requirements for certain applicants for a license to practice medicine.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 155.051, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsections (d) and (e) to read as follows:

(d) The time frame to pass each part of the examination does not apply to an applicant who:

(1) is licensed and in good standing as a physician in another state;

(2) has been licensed for at least five years;

(3) does not hold a medical license in the other state that has or has ever had any restrictions, disciplinary orders, or probation; and

(4) will practice in a medically underserved area or a health manpower shortage area, as those terms are defined by Section 157.052.

(e) The board may by rule establish a process to verify that a person, after meeting the requirements of Subsection (d), practices only in an area described by Subsection (d)(4).

SECTION 2. Section 155.056, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows:

(e) The limitation on examination attempts by an applicant under Subsection (a) does not apply to an applicant who:

(1) is licensed and in good standing as a physician in another state;

(2) has been licensed for at least five years;

(3) does not hold a medical license in the other state that has or has ever had any restrictions, disciplinary orders, or probation; and

(4) will practice in a medically underserved area or a health manpower shortage area, as those terms are defined by Section 157.052.

(f) The board may by rule establish a process to verify that a person who, after meeting the requirements of Subsection (e), practices only in an area described by Subsection (e)(4).

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

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