HBA-MPM H.B. 1314 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1314
By: Hochberg
Higher Education
6/7/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (cancer center)
currently provides allied health training and awards certificates in the
following five specialized areas:  medical technology, cytotechnology,
cytogenetic technology, radiation therapy technology, and medical
dosimetry.  Most of these programs require a person to have a baccalaureate
degree to sit for the required board examination for certification in each
of these disciplines.  Prior to the 76th Legislative session, the cancer
center did not have the authority to grant such a degree. 

Several of these allied health education programs, such as the medical
dosimetry and radiation therapy programs, are unique in the University of
Texas System and the state.  Since allied health education programs were
discontinued at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston,
the cancer center assumed the duties of providing training in these fields.
H.B. 1314 authorizes the cancer center to offer professional degrees for
certain allied health training programs.    

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 73.102, Education Code, as follows:

Sec. 73.102.  New title:  PURPOSE; DEGREE PROGRAMS.  Authorizes the board
of regents of The University of Texas System, if the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board (board) determines the roll and mission of the
institution to be changed to include degree-granting authority, to
prescribe courses and conduct allied health professional degree programs
related to the purpose of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer
Center, which is the diagnosis, teaching, study, prevention, and treatment
of neoplastic and allied diseases.  Provides that the degree programs
offered are subject to approval by the board. 

SECTION 2.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.