By: Patrick S.B. No. 1785
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of the Texas Department of Health
  Professions to regulate certain health professions, the transfer of
  certain powers and duties to the department, and the abolishment of
  certain state agencies and other licensing entities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  ARTICLE 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
         SECTION 1.01.  Subtitle A, Title 3, Occupations Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 113 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 113. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 113.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Advisory committee" means a health profession
  advisory committee established under Subchapter G.
               (2)  "Board" means the Health Professions Board.
               (3)  "Department" means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions.
               (4)  "Law governing a regulated health profession"
  means the following:
                     (A)  Subtitles B, D, E, and J;
                     (B)  Chapters 101, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 351,
  453, 454, 501, and 801; and
                     (C)  any other law that affects a regulated health
  profession and the enforcement of which is assigned to the
  department by the legislature.
               (5)  "License" means a license, certificate,
  registration, title, permit, or other authorization to engage in
  the practice of a regulated health profession.
               (6)  "License holder" means a person who holds a
  license to engage in the practice of a regulated health profession.
               (7)  "Regulated health profession" means the following
  health professions regulated by the department:
                     (A)  physicians under Subtitle B;
                     (B)  dentists, dental hygienists, and dental
  assistants under Subtitle D;
                     (C)  nurses under Subtitle E;
                     (D)  pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy
  technicians under Subtitle J;
                     (E)  chiropractors under Chapter 201;
                     (F)  podiatrists under Chapter 202;
                     (G)  physician assistants under Chapter 204;
                     (H)  acupuncturists under Chapter 205;
                     (I)  surgical assistants under Chapter 206;
                     (J)  optometrists and therapeutic optometrists
  under Chapter 351;
                     (K)  physical therapists and physical therapist
  assistants under Chapter 453;
                     (L)  occupational therapists and occupational
  therapy assistants under Chapter 454;
                     (M)  psychologists and psychological associates
  under Chapter 501; and
                     (N)  veterinarians under Chapter 801.
         Sec. 113.002.  APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies to each
  regulated health profession. In the event of a conflict between
  this chapter and another law governing a regulated health
  profession, this chapter prevails.
         Sec. 113.003.  APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The department is
  subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless
  continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the department
  is abolished and this chapter expires September 1, 2023.
  [Sections 113.004-113.050 reserved for expansion]
  SUBCHAPTER B. DEPARTMENT AND BOARD
         Sec. 113.051.  TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS. (a)
  The Texas Department of Health Professions is the primary state
  agency responsible for the oversight of each regulated health
  profession and the administration of each law governing a regulated
  health profession.
         (b)  The department is governed by the board.
         Sec. 113.052.  HEALTH PROFESSIONS BOARD; MEMBERSHIP. (a)
  The board consists of 19 members appointed by the governor with the
  advice and consent of the senate as follows:
               (1)  one of each of the following:
                     (A)  a physician who is a doctor of medicine, is
  practicing at the time of appointment, and has been licensed in this
  state for at least five years;
                     (B)  a physician who is a doctor of osteopathic
  medicine, is practicing at the time of appointment, and has been
  licensed in this state for at least five years;
                     (C)  a dentist practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (D)  a dental hygienist practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (E)  a registered nurse practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (F)  a vocational nurse practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (G)  an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist
  practicing at the time of appointment who has been licensed in this
  state for at least five years;
                     (H)  a psychologist practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (I)  a psychological associate practicing at the
  time of appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least
  five years;
                     (J)  a pharmacist practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (K)  a chiropractor practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (L)  a physical therapist practicing at the time
  of appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years;
                     (M)  an occupational therapist practicing at the
  time of appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least
  five years;
                     (N)  a podiatrist practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years; and
                     (O)  a veterinarian practicing at the time of
  appointment who has been licensed in this state for at least five
  years; and
               (2)  four members who represent the public.
         (b)  Appointments to the board shall be made without regard
  to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national
  origin of the appointee.
         Sec. 113.053.  TERMS. Members of the board serve staggered
  six-year terms, with either six or seven members' terms, as
  applicable, expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year.
         Sec. 113.054.  ELIGIBILITY OF PUBLIC MEMBERS. A person may
  not be a public member of the board if the person or the person's
  spouse:
               (1)  is registered, certified, or licensed by a
  regulatory agency in the field of health care;
               (2)  is employed by or participates in the management
  of a business entity or other organization regulated by or
  receiving money from the department;
               (3)  owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more
  than a 10 percent interest in a business entity or other
  organization regulated by or receiving money from the department;
  or
               (4)  uses or receives a substantial amount of tangible
  goods, services, or money from the department other than
  compensation or reimbursement authorized by law for board
  membership, attendance, or expenses.
         Sec. 113.055.  MEMBERSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS. (a)
  In this section, "Texas trade association" means a cooperative and
  voluntarily joined statewide association of business or
  professional competitors in this state designed to assist its
  members and its industry or profession in dealing with mutual
  business or professional problems and in promoting their common
  interest.
         (b)  A person may not be a member of the board and may not be
  an employee of the department employed in a "bona fide executive,
  administrative, or professional capacity," as that phrase is used
  for purposes of establishing an exemption to the overtime
  provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29
  U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.) if:
               (1)  the person is an officer, employee, or paid
  consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of health care;
  or
               (2)  the person's spouse is an officer, manager, or paid
  consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of health care.
         (c)  A person may not be a member of the board or act as the
  general counsel to the department if the person is required to
  register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code, because
  of the person's activities for compensation on behalf of a
  profession related to the operation of the department.
         Sec. 113.056.  GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL. (a) It is a ground for
  removal from the board that a member:
               (1)  does not have at the time of taking office the
  qualifications required by Section 113.052;
               (2)  does not maintain during service on the board the
  qualifications required by Section 113.052;
               (3)  is ineligible for membership under Section 113.054
  or 113.055;
               (4)  cannot, because of illness or disability,
  discharge the member's duties for a substantial part of the member's
  term; or
               (5)  is absent from more than half of the regularly
  scheduled board meetings that the member is eligible to attend
  during a calendar year without an excuse approved by a majority vote
  of the board.
         (b)  The validity of an action of the board is not affected by
  the fact that it is taken when a ground for removal of a board member
  exists.
         (c)  If the executive director of the department has
  knowledge that a potential ground for removal exists, the executive
  director shall notify the presiding officer of the board of the
  potential ground. The presiding officer shall then notify the
  governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for
  removal exists. If the potential ground for removal involves the
  presiding officer, the executive director shall notify the next
  highest ranking officer of the board, who shall then notify the
  governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for
  removal exists.
         Sec. 113.057.  TRAINING. (a) A person who is appointed to
  and qualifies for office as a member of the board may not vote,
  deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of
  the board until the person completes a training program that
  complies with this section.
         (b)  The training program must provide the person with
  information regarding:
               (1)  this chapter and the laws regulated by the board;
               (2)  the programs, functions, rules, and budget of the
  department;
               (3)  the results of the most recent formal audit of the
  department;
               (4)  the requirements of laws relating to open
  meetings, public information, administrative procedure, and
  conflicts of interest; and
               (5)  any applicable ethics policies adopted by the
  board or the Texas Ethics Commission.
         (c)  A person appointed to the board is entitled to
  reimbursement, as provided by the General Appropriations Act, for
  the travel expenses incurred in attending the training program
  regardless of whether the attendance at the program occurs before
  or after the person qualifies for office.
         Sec. 113.058.  OFFICERS. (a) The governor shall designate a
  member of the board as the presiding officer of the board to serve
  in that capacity at the will of the governor.
         (b)  The board shall elect an assistant presiding officer and
  a secretary-treasurer every two years.
         Sec. 113.059.  COMPENSATION; PER DIEM. (a) A board member
  may not receive compensation for the member's services.
         (b)  A member is entitled to a per diem and travel allowance
  for each day the member engages in board business at the rate set
  for state employees in the General Appropriations Act.
         Sec. 113.060.  MEETINGS. (a) The board shall hold at least
  two regular meetings each year.
         (b)  Additional meetings may be held at the call of the
  presiding officer.
         (c)  A board meeting may be held by telephone conference or
  other remote communications technology.
         Sec. 113.061.  PUBLIC TESTIMONY. The board shall develop
  and implement policies that provide the public with a reasonable
  opportunity to appear before the board and to speak on any issue
  under the jurisdiction of the department.
  [Sections 113.062-113.100 reserved for expansion]
  SUBCHAPTER C. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND OTHER PERSONNEL
         Sec. 113.101.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The board shall appoint
  an executive director of the department. The executive director
  serves at the will of the board.
         Sec. 113.102.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POWERS AND DUTIES. (a)
  The executive director shall:
               (1)  perform any duty assigned by the board and other
  duties specified by law;
               (2)  administer and enforce the department's programs;
  and
               (3)  issue licenses as authorized by a law governing a
  regulated health profession.
         (b)  The executive director may delegate any power or duty
  assigned to the executive director unless prohibited by statute or
  rule.
         (c)  The executive director may:
               (1)  impose sanctions and issue orders relating to a
  sanction as provided by a law governing a regulated health
  profession; and
               (2)  assess an administrative penalty or issue an order
  relating to an administrative penalty as authorized by a law
  governing a regulated health profession.
         Sec. 113.103.  PERSONNEL. The executive director may employ
  persons to perform the department's work and may prescribe their
  duties and compensation, subject to the personnel policies adopted
  by the board and the board's approval of the budget.
         Sec. 113.104.  DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The board
  shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the
  policy-making responsibilities of the board and the management
  responsibilities of the executive director and the staff of the
  department.
         Sec. 113.105.  CAREER LADDER PROGRAM; PERFORMANCE
  EVALUATIONS. (a) The executive director or the executive
  director's designee shall develop an intra-agency career ladder
  program. The program must require intra-agency posting of all
  non-entry-level positions concurrently with any public posting.
         (b)  The executive director or the executive director's
  designee shall develop a system of annual performance evaluations
  based on measurable job tasks. All merit pay for department
  employees must be based on the system established under this
  subsection.
         Sec. 113.106.  EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY; REPORT.
  (a) The executive director or the executive director's designee
  shall prepare and maintain a written policy statement to assure
  implementation of an equal employment opportunity program under
  which all personnel transactions are made without regard to race,
  color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin.
         (b)  The policy statement must include:
               (1)  personnel policies, including policies relating
  to recruitment, evaluation, selection, application, training, and
  promotion of personnel, that are in compliance with Chapter 21,
  Labor Code; and
               (2)  an analysis of the extent to which the composition
  of the department's personnel is in accordance with state and
  federal law and a description of reasonable methods to achieve
  compliance with state and federal law.
         (c)  The policy statement must be:
               (1)  updated annually;
               (2)  reviewed by the civil rights division of the Texas
  Workforce Commission for compliance with Subsection (b)(1); and
               (3)  filed with the governor.
  [Sections 113.107-113.150 reserved for expansion]
  SUBCHAPTER D. POWERS AND DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT AND BOARD
         Sec. 113.151.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT. The
  department has the licensing, enforcement, and regulatory powers
  and duties provided by each law governing a regulated health
  profession.
         Sec. 113.152.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD. (a) The board
  shall:
               (1)  adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter
  and each law governing a regulated health profession;
               (2)  supervise the executive director's administration
  of the department;
               (3)  formulate the policy objectives for the
  department; and
               (4)  approve the department's operating budget and the
  department's requests for legislative appropriations.
         (b)  The board may adopt rules as necessary for its own
  procedures.
         Sec. 113.153.  ADMINISTRATION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
  COUNCIL. The board shall administer the health professions council
  under Chapter 101 and perform the duties assigned to the council
  under that chapter.
         Sec. 113.154.  USE OF TECHNOLOGY. The board shall develop
  and implement a policy requiring the executive director and
  department employees to research and propose appropriate
  technological solutions to improve the department's ability to
  perform its functions. The technological solutions must:
               (1)  ensure that the public is able to easily find
  information about the department on the Internet;
               (2)  ensure that persons who want to use the
  department's services are able to:
                     (A)  interact with the department through the
  Internet; and
                     (B)  access any service that can be provided
  effectively through the Internet; and
               (3)  be cost-effective and developed through the
  department's planning processes.
         Sec. 113.155.  METHOD OF MAKING PAYMENTS. (a) The board may
  authorize payment of regulatory fees, fines, penalties, and charges
  for goods and services through:
               (1)  an electronic payment method; or
               (2)  a credit card issued by a financial institution
  chartered by a state or the United States or issued by a nationally
  recognized credit organization approved by the board.
         (b)  A payment by a method under this section may be made in
  person, by telephone, or through the Internet.
         (c)  The board may require a person who makes a payment to the
  department through an electronic payment method or credit card to
  pay a discount or service charge in an amount reasonable and
  necessary to reimburse the board for the costs involved in
  processing the payment.
         (d)  The board may adopt rules as necessary to implement this
  section.
  [Sections 113.156-113.200 reserved for expansion]
  SUBCHAPTER E. LICENSING OF REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS
         Sec. 113.201.  LICENSING AUTHORITY. The department is the
  sole state agency with authority to issue a license to a person for
  the practice of a regulated health profession and to exercise
  powers and duties related to licensing provided by a law governing a
  regulated health profession.
  [Sections 113.202-113.250 reserved for expansion]
  SUBCHAPTER F. PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS
         Sec. 113.251.  INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS. (a) The
  department may conduct inspections or investigations as necessary
  to enforce the laws administered by the department.
         (b)  The department, during reasonable business hours, may:
               (1)  enter the business premises of a license holder or
  a person suspected of being in violation of or threatening to
  violate a law governing a regulated health profession or a rule or
  order of the board or order of the executive director related to a
  regulated health profession; and
               (2)  examine and copy records pertinent to the
  inspection or investigation.
         Sec. 113.252.  SUBPOENAS. (a) The department may issue a
  subpoena as provided by this section.
         (b)  The department may request and, if necessary, compel by
  subpoena:
               (1)  the production for inspection and copying of
  records, documents, and other evidence relevant to the
  investigation of an alleged violation of this chapter, a law
  governing a regulated health profession, a rule adopted or order
  issued by the board, or an order issued by the executive director;
  and
               (2)  the attendance of a witness for examination under
  oath.
         (c)  A subpoena under this section may be issued throughout
  this state and may be served by any person designated by the board
  or the executive director.
         (d)  The department, acting through the attorney general,
  may bring an action to enforce a subpoena issued under this section
  against a person who fails to comply with the subpoena.
         (e)  Venue for an action brought under this section is in a
  district court in:
               (1)  Travis County; or
               (2)  any county in which the department may hold a
  hearing.
         (f)  The court shall order compliance with the subpoena if
  the court finds that good cause exists to issue the subpoena.
         Sec. 113.253.  CEASE AND DESIST ORDER. The executive
  director may issue a cease and desist order if the executive
  director determines that the action is necessary to prevent a
  violation of:
               (1)  this chapter;
               (2)  a law governing a regulated health profession; or
               (3)  a rule adopted or order issued by the board or an
  order issued by the executive director.
  [Sections 113.254-113.300 reserved for expansion]
  SUBCHAPTER G. HEALTH PROFESSION ADVISORY COMMITTEES
         Sec. 113.301.  HEALTH PROFESSION ADVISORY COMMITTEES. (a)
  Each advisory committee authorized by this subchapter is an
  informal advisory committee to the department and is not subject to
  Chapter 2110, Government Code.
         (b)  An advisory committee has no independent rulemaking
  authority.
         Sec. 113.302.  APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES. (a) The
  governor shall appoint one advisory committee for each of the
  regulated health professions listed in Sec. 113.001(7) to advise
  the department concerning that health profession.
         (b)  Each advisory committee consists of five members. Three
  members must be practicing in the regulated health profession
  applicable to the advisory committee to which the member is
  appointment and must have been licensed in this state for at least
  five years. Two members must represent the public.
         (c)  Appointments to an advisory committee shall be made
  without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age,
  or national origin of the appointee.
         Sec. 113.303.  ELIGIBILITY OF PUBLIC MEMBERS. A person may
  not be a public member of an advisory committee if the person or the
  person's spouse:
               (1)  is registered, certified, or licensed by a
  regulatory agency in the field of health care;
               (2)  is employed by or participates in the management
  of a business entity or other organization regulated by or
  receiving money from the department;
               (3)  owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more
  than a 10 percent interest in a business entity or other
  organization regulated by or receiving money from the department;
  or
               (4)  uses or receives a substantial amount of tangible
  goods, services, or money from the department other than
  compensation or reimbursement authorized by law for board
  membership, attendance, or expenses.
         Sec. 113.304.  MEMBERSHIP RESTRICTIONS. (a) In this
  section, "Texas trade association" means a cooperative and
  voluntarily joined statewide association of business or
  professional competitors in this state designed to assist its
  members and its industry or profession in dealing with mutual
  business or professional problems and in promoting their common
  interest.
         (b)  A person may not be a member of an advisory committee if:
               (1)  the person is an officer, employee, or paid
  consultant of a Texas trade association related to a regulated
  health profession; or
               (2)  the person's spouse is an officer, manager, or paid
  consultant of a Texas trade association related to a regulated
  health profession.
         (c)  A person may not be a member of an advisory committee if
  the person is required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305,
  Government Code, because of the person's activities for
  compensation on behalf of a regulated health profession.
         Sec. 113.305.  TERMS; VACANCY. (a) Members of an advisory
  committee are appointed for staggered four-year terms, with either
  two or three members' terms, as applicable, expiring February 1 of
  each odd-numbered year.
         (b)  If a vacancy occurs during a member's term, the governor
  shall appoint a new member to fill the unexpired term.
         Sec. 113.306.  GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL. (a) It is a ground for
  removal from the advisory committee that a member:
               (1)  does not have at the time of appointment the
  qualifications required by Section 113.302;
               (2)  does not maintain during service on the advisory
  committee the qualifications required by Section 113.302;
               (3)  is ineligible for membership under Section
  113.303; or
               (4)  cannot, because of illness or disability,
  discharge the member's duties for a substantial part of the member's
  term.
         (b)  The validity of an action of the advisory committee is
  not affected by the fact that it is taken when a ground for removal
  of a member exists.
         Sec. 113.307.  OFFICERS. The governor shall designate a
  member of each advisory committee to serve as the presiding officer
  of that committee to serve in that capacity at the pleasure of the
  governor.
         Sec. 113.308.  PER DIEM. An advisory committee member is not
  entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses or compensation.
         Sec. 113.309.  MEETINGS. (a) Each advisory committee shall
  meet as requested by the department.
         (b)  A meeting may be held by telephone conference or other
  remote communications technology.
         Sec. 113.310.  DUTIES. (a) An advisory committee shall make
  recommendations to the board regarding:
               (1)  rules necessary to administer and enforce a law
  governing a regulated health profession;  
               (2)  qualifications required for a person to obtain a
  license to practice a regulated health profession, including
  education, training, and examination requirements;
               (3)  mandatory continuing education requirements; and
               (4)  disciplinary matters before the board.
         (b)  An advisory committee shall perform additional duties
  at the direction of the board.
  ARTICLE 2. CHANGES TO LAWS GOVERNING REGULATED
  HEALTH PROFESSIONS
         SECTION 2.01.  Section 101.001, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 101.001.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS [COUNCIL]. In this chapter, "council" means the Texas
  Department of Health Professions [Council].
         SECTION 2.02.  Subchapter B, Chapter 151, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 151.0511 to read as follows:
         Sec. 151.0511.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Medical Board;
               (2)  a reference in this subtitle to the board or the
  Texas Medical Board means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the former Texas
  State Board of Medical Examiners or the Texas Medical Board means
  the Texas Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this subtitle and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.03.  Subchapter A, Chapter 201, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 201.0011 to read as follows:
         Sec. 201.0011.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the board means the
  Texas Department of Health Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas Board of
  Chiropractic Examiners means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.04.  Subchapter A, Chapter 202, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 202.0011 to read as follows:
         Sec. 202.0011.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the board means the
  Texas Department of Health Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas State
  Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners means the Texas Department of
  Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.05.  Subchapter A, Chapter 204, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 204.0021 to read as follows:
         Sec. 204.0021.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Medical Board and the Texas Physician Assistant Board;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the medical board
  means the Health Professions Board and a reference in this chapter
  to the physician assistant board means the Texas Department of
  Health Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the former Texas
  State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners or the Texas Physician
  Assistant Board means the Texas Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.06.  Subchapter A, Chapter 205, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 205.002 to read as follows:
         Sec. 205.002.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Medical Board and the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the medical board
  means the Health Professions Board and a reference in this chapter
  to the acupuncture board means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas State
  Board of Acupuncture Examiners means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.07.  Subchapter A, Chapter 206, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 206.0011 to read as follows:
         Sec. 206.0011.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law, a reference in this chapter to the advisory committee
  means the Texas Department of Health Professions and a reference in
  this chapter to the medical board means the Health Professions
  Board.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.08.  Chapter 251, Occupations Code, is amended by
  adding Section 251.0021 to read as follows:
         Sec. 251.0021.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the State
  Board of Dental Examiners;
               (2)  a reference in this subtitle to the board or the
  State Board of Dental Examiners means the Texas Department of
  Health Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the State Board of
  Dental Examiners means the Texas Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this subtitle and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.09.  Subchapter A, Chapter 301, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 301.0021 to read as follows:
         Sec. 301.0021.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Board of Nursing;
               (2)  a reference in this subtitle to the board or the
  Texas Board of Nursing means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the former Board of
  Nurse Examiners or the Texas Board of Nursing means the Texas
  Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this subtitle and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.10.  Subchapter A, Chapter 351, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 351.0021 to read as follows:
         Sec. 351.0021.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Optometry Board;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the board means the
  Texas Department of Health Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas Optometry
  Board means the Texas Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.11.  Subchapter A, Chapter 453, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 453.0011 to read as follows:
         Sec. 453.0011.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Board of Physical Therapy Examiners;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the board or the
  executive council means the Texas Department of Health Professions;
  and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas Board of
  Physical Therapy Examiners or the Executive Council of Physical
  Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners means the Texas
  Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.12.  Section 453.101, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 453.101.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. The [Except as
  provided by Chapter 452, the] board shall administer and enforce
  this chapter.
         SECTION 2.13.  Subchapter A, Chapter 454, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 454.0021 to read as follows:
         Sec. 454.0021.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the board or the
  executive council means the Texas Department of Health Professions;
  and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas Board of
  Occupational Therapy Examiners or the Executive Council of Physical
  Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners means the Texas
  Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.14.  Section 454.101, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 454.101.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. The [Except as
  provided by Chapter 452, the] board shall administer and enforce
  this chapter.
         SECTION 2.15.  Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 501.0021 to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.0021.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  State Board of Examiners of Psychologists;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the board means the
  Texas Department of Health Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas State
  Board of Examiners of Psychologists means the Texas Department of
  Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.16.  Chapter 551, Occupations Code, is amended by
  adding Section 551.0031 to read as follows:
         Sec. 551.0031.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the Texas
  State Board of Pharmacy;
               (2)  a reference in this subtitle to the board or the
  Texas State Board of Pharmacy means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the Texas State
  Board of Pharmacy means the Texas Department of Health Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this subtitle and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.17.  Subchapter A, Chapter 801, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 801.0021 to read as follows:
         Sec. 801.0021.  ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
  PROFESSIONS; CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAW. (a) Notwithstanding any
  other law:
               (1)  the Texas Department of Health Professions shall
  exercise all powers and duties formerly exercised by the State
  Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners;
               (2)  a reference in this chapter to the board means the
  Texas Department of Health Professions; and
               (3)  a reference in any other law to the State Board of
  Veterinary Medical Examiners means the Texas Department of Health
  Professions.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between this chapter and
  Chapter 113, Chapter 113 controls.
         SECTION 2.18.  The following provisions of the Occupations
  Code are repealed:
               (1)  Sections 101.002, 101.003, and 101.004;
               (2)  Section 151.004;
               (3)  Subchapter A, Chapter 152;
               (4)  Sections 152.051, 152.056, 152.057, 152.058, and
  152.059;
               (5)  Section 201.004;
               (6)  Subchapters B and C, Chapter 201;
               (7)  Section 202.002;
               (8)  Subchapters B and C, Chapter 202;
               (9)  Subchapter B, Chapter 204;
               (10)  Subchapter B, Chapter 205;
               (11)  Subchapter B, Chapter 206;
               (12)  Section 251.005;
               (13)  Chapter 252;
               (14)  Sections 253.001, 253.004, 253.005, 253.006, and
  253.007;
               (15)  Section 262.001(1);
               (16)  Subchapter B, Chapter 262;
               (17)  Sections 262.102(c), 262.1025, and 262.103;
               (18)  Sections 301.003 and 301.005;
               (19)  Subchapter B, Chapter 301;
               (20)  Sections 301.105, 301.106, 301.107, and 301.108;
               (21)  Section 351.004;
               (22)  Subchapter B, Chapter 351;
               (23)  Sections 351.105, 351.106, 351.107, and 351.108;
               (24)  Subchapters A, B, and C, Chapter 452;
               (25)  Sections 453.002 and 453.003;
               (26)  Subchapter B, Chapter 453;
               (27)  Section 454.003;
               (28)  Subchapter B, Chapter 454;
               (29)  Section 501.005;
               (30)  Subchapter B, Chapter 501;
               (31)  Sections 501.101, 501.103, 501.104, and 501.105;
               (32)  Section 551.005;
               (33)  Chapter 552;
               (34)  Sections 553.001, 553.002, 553.003, 553.005,
  553.007, 553.008, 553.009, and 553.010;
               (35)  Section 801.003;
               (36)  Subchapter B, Chapter 801; and
               (37)  Sections 801.101, 801.104, 801.105, 801.106, and
  801.107.
  ARTICLE 3. TRANSITIONS AND EFFECTIVE DATE
         SECTION 3.01.  (a) As soon as possible after the effective
  date of this Act, the governor shall appoint the members of the
  Health Professions Board in accordance with Subchapter B, Chapter
  113, Occupations Code, as added by this Act. In making the initial
  appointments, the governor shall designate six members for terms
  expiring February 1, 2013, six members for terms expiring February
  1, 2015, and seven members for terms expiring February 1, 2017.
         (b)  As soon as possible after the effective date of this
  Act, the governor shall appoint the members of the health
  profession advisory committees in accordance with Subchapter G,
  Chapter 113, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 3.02.  The presiding officer of the Health
  Professions Board shall call the initial meeting of the board as
  soon as possible after the board members are appointed.
         SECTION 3.03.  (a) On the date specified in the transition
  plan required under Section 3.04 of this article, the following
  powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities are
  transferred to the Health Professions Board and the Texas
  Department of Health Professions:
               (1)  all powers, duties, functions, programs, and
  activities of a state agency or entity abolished by Section 3.05 of
  this article; and
               (2)  all rulemaking and policymaking authority of a
  state agency or entity abolished by Section 3.05 of this article.
         (b)  On the date specified as described by Subsection (a) of
  this section:
               (1)  all obligations and contracts of a state agency or
  entity abolished by Section 3.05 of this article that are related to
  a power, duty, function, program, or activity transferred under
  Subsection (a) of this section are transferred to the Texas
  Department of Health Professions;
               (2)  all property and records in the custody of a state
  agency or entity abolished by Section 3.05 of this article that are
  related to a power, duty, function, program, or activity
  transferred under Subsection (a) of this section and all funds
  appropriated by the legislature for the power, duty, function,
  program, or activity shall be transferred to the Texas Department
  of Health Professions; and
               (3)  all complaints, investigations, or contested
  cases that are pending before a state agency or entity abolished by
  Section 3.05 of this article or the governing body of the agency or
  entity and that are related to a power, duty, function, program, or
  activity transferred under Subsection (a) of this section are
  transferred without change in status to the Texas Department of
  Health Professions.
         (c)  A rule or form adopted by a state agency or entity
  abolished by Section 3.05 of this article that relates to a power,
  duty, function, program, or activity transferred under Subsection
  (a) of this section is a rule or form of the Texas Department of
  Health Professions and remains in effect until altered by the
  Health Professions Board.
         (d)  A reference in law to a state agency or entity abolished
  by Section 3.05 of this article, or to the governing body of the
  agency or entity, that relates to a power, duty, function, program,
  or activity transferred under Subsection (a) of this section means
  the Health Professions Board for a power or duty of the board
  described by Subchapter D, Chapter 113, Occupations Code, as added
  by this Act, and means the Texas Department of Health Professions
  for all other transferred powers, duties, functions, programs, or
  activities.
         (e)  A license, permit, or certification in effect that was
  issued by a state agency or entity abolished by Section 3.05 of this
  article and that relates to a power, duty, function, program, or
  activity transferred under Subsection (a) of this section is
  continued in effect as a license, permit, or certification of the
  Texas Department of Health Professions.
         SECTION 3.04.  (a) The transfer of powers, duties,
  functions, programs, and activities under Section 3.03 of this
  article to the Health Professions Board and the Texas Department of
  Health Professions must be accomplished in accordance with a
  schedule included in a transition plan developed by the executive
  director of the Texas Department of Health Professions, the
  presiding officer of the Health Professions Board, and the
  executive director or comparable official responsible for the
  administration of each state agency or entity abolished by Section
  3.05. The transition plan must be submitted to the governor,
  lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives
  not later than January 1, 2012.
         (b)  The transition plan must provide for the transfer of
  powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities under Section
  3.03 of this article to the Health Professions Board and the Texas
  Department of Health Professions in a careful and deliberative
  manner, to be completed on or before June 1, 2013.
         SECTION 3.05.  (a) The following state agencies and
  entities are abolished on the date on which their respective
  powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities are
  transferred according to the transition plan described by Section
  3.04 of this article:
               (1)  the Health Professions Council;
               (2)  the Texas Medical Board;
               (3)  the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
               (4)  the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical
  Examiners;
               (5)  the Texas Physician Assistant Board;
               (6)  the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners;
               (7)  the surgical assistant advisory committee created
  under Chapter 206, Occupations Code;
               (8)  the State Board of Dental Examiners;
               (9)  the Texas Board of Nursing;
               (10)  the Texas Optometry Board;
               (11)  the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners;
               (12)  the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy
  Examiners;
               (13)  the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and
  Occupational Therapy Examiners;
               (14)  the Texas State Board of Examiners of
  Psychologists;
               (15)  the Texas State Board of Pharmacy; and
               (16)  the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
         (b)  The abolition of a state agency or entity listed in
  Subsection (a) of this section and the transfer of its powers,
  duties, functions, programs, activities, obligations, rights,
  contracts, records, property, funds, and employees as provided by
  this article do not affect or impair an act done, any obligation,
  right, order, permit, certificate, rule, criterion, standard, or
  requirement existing, or any penalty accrued under former law, and
  that law remains in effect for any action concerning those matters.
         SECTION 3.06.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.