BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 496
85R3215 KEL-F	By: Uresti
	Higher Education
	3/27/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 496 amends the Education Code to add the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) School of Osteopathic Medicine to the list of defined medical schools. Currently, state law defines medical schools by name and UIW, which admits its first class in 2017, has not yet been included in the list containing other public and private medical schools in Texas. UIW maintains accreditation by the same accrediting body and meets the same strict academic standards as other medical schools in Texas. This lack of statutory definition impedes the school when applying for competitive grants.

UIW's focus is on primary care doctors to address the severe shortage of these physicians in the region. Historically, Texas has had a lower proportion of doctors to its population than the national average. Texas currently ranks 42nd in the ratio of physicians per 100,000 residents. Also, Texas does not produce enough physicians to meet the growing need for medical practitioners. When the first UIW class graduates enter the workforce, the impact on healthcare quality and access in San Antonio and South Texas will be significant.

As proposed, S.B. 496 amends current law relating to the participation of the school of osteopathic medicine at the University of the Incarnate Word in certain state programs supporting medical residency 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 Section 61.501(1), Education Code, to redefine "medical school," to include the school of osteopathic medicine at the University of the Incarnate Word.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.