BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2011
86R13044 MM-D	By: Buckingham
	Higher Education
	4/8/2019
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 2011 requires a study with the goal of creating a pilot program that would streamline the requirements for nurses to become physicians.

The requirements to become a registered nurse often overlap with the requirements to become a licensed physician. Many nurses pursuing a physician's license often have to repeat certain courses or requirements when in the process of entering medical school and also while attending medical school.

S.B. 2011 instructs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to partner with another institution of higher education, the Texas Medical Board, and the Texas Board of Nursing to conduct a study relating to the feasibility of developing a pilot program of streamlining the qualifications and prerequisites for a nurse to fulfill the licensing requirements to practice medicine.

As proposed, S.B. 2011 amends current law relating to a study and report regarding streamlining physician licensing requirements for nurses.

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 61.06693, as follows:

Sec. 61.06693. STUDY REGARDING STREAMLINING PHYSICIAN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR NURSES. (a) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to collaborate with at least one institution of higher education, the Texas Medical Board, and the Texas Board of Nursing to conduct a study regarding the feasibility of developing a pilot program to streamline the requirements for a nurse to become eligible under Chapter 155 (License to Practice Medicine), Occupations Code, for a license to practice medicine.

(b) Requires THECB, not later than December 1, 2020, to submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction over matters relating to higher education or occupational licensing a report on the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or other action.

(c) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2021.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2019.