By: Buckingham S.B. No. 1882

(Bonnen of Galveston)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to notice regarding voting by physicians at certain entities to authorize the differentiation of physicians based on maintenance of certification.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 241.1011 to read as follows:

Sec. 241.1011. HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO DIFFERENTIATE BASED ON MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION. An entity to which Section 151.0515, Occupations Code, applies violates this chapter if the entity does not comply with the requirements of Section 151.0515(c-1), Occupations Code, regarding the provision of written notice regarding the ability to vote on the entity's differentiation between physicians based on a physician's maintenance of certification.

SECTION 2. Section 151.0515, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:

(c-1) An entity described by Subsection (a) shall provide written notice to the voting physician members of the entity's organized medical staff of the process by which the members may vote on the entity's differentiation between physicians based on a physician's maintenance of certification. The notice must:

(1) state that any vote must comply with:

(A) the normal voting process of the entity and the entity's organized medical staff; and

(B) any applicable law, regulation, or accreditation requirement; and

(2) be provided:

(A) at least once each calendar year; and

(B) in a form acceptable to the entity and the entity's organized medical staff for a similar notification, which may include in electronic form.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.