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


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1314
By: Hochberg
Higher Education
3/4/1999
Committee Report (Amended)



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.  The cancer center does 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 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, provided the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
(board) determines that the role and mission of the institution should be
changed to include degree-granting authority.  Provides that the degree
programs offered are subject to approval by the board. 

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

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment #1

(1)  In Section 1, on page 1, line 10, Section 73.102, Education Code,
immediately after "(b)," insert "If the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board determines that the role and mission of the institution should be
changed to include degree-granting authority." 

(2)  In Section 1, on page 1, lines 13 and 14, strike "Texas Higher
Education."