BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 491

By: Watson

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties suggest that family medicine should be included in the statewide preceptorship program with the intention of addressing the shortage of primary care providers in Texas.
S.B. 491 seeks to provide for that inclusion.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 491 amends the Education Code to include the statewide preceptorship program in family medicine for medical students enrolled in Texas medical schools among the preceptorship programs for whose operation the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may contract with one or more organizations.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.