BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 80
	By: Ortega et al. (Rodr�guez)
	Higher Education
	5/9/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 80 amends current law relating to a study and report regarding shortages in certain health professions.

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 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.06691, as follows:

Sec. 61.06691.  STUDY ON SHORTAGES IN CERTAIN HEALTH PROFESSIONS. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), subject to the availability of funds, to conduct a study in collaboration with the Texas Health Professions Resource Center, the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, and the Texas Demographic Center to identify statewide and regional shortages in health professions, with an emphasis on shortages in doctoral-level training in those health professions. Requires THECB, using existing information to the extent possible, to develop an inventory of existing health science education programs at institutions of higher education and private or independent institutions of higher education and note the enrollment capacity for each of those programs. Requires the study to include an analysis of shortages in certain health professions for which doctoral-level training is offered.

(b) Requires THECB to make recommendations regarding the establishment of new programs and expansion of existing programs to meet the increased need for health professionals in the state, including in particular the increased need for health professionals with doctoral-level training who serve rural communities in this state.

(c) Requires THECB, not later than December 1, 2023, to submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction over higher education the results of its study under this section and recommendations for legislative or other action.

(d) Authorizes THECB to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source to conduct the study, prepare the report, and develop recommendations as required under this section.

(e) Provides that this section expires January 1, 2024.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.