BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1869

By: Klick

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that, despite their critical role in emergency and trauma care, registered nurses are underrepresented on the Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council. H.B. 1869 seeks to remedy this situation by revising the composition of the council to include a registered nurse recommended by a statewide professional association of emergency nurses and a registered nurse with trauma expertise.

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

H.B. 1869 amends the Health and Safety Code to increase from 15 to 17 the number of members on the Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council and to revise the composition of the council by:

· adding a registered nurse, appointed from a list of names recommended by a statewide professional association of emergency nurses;

· removing the provision providing for the appointment of either a trauma surgeon or a registered nurse with trauma experience; and

· requiring the appointment instead of both a trauma surgeon and a registered nurse with trauma experience.

H.B. 1869 requires the governor, not later than December 1, 2019, to appoint the members of the council as required by the bill's provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.