HBA-MPM S.B. 1378 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1378
By: Shapleigh
Higher Education
4/30/1999
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there are no freestanding state or private medical schools in
the Texas-Mexico border region.  Residents of this region face many health
challenges, including a shortage of health care providers and facilities,
as well as sporadic outbreaks of infectious diseases that are associated
with underdeveloped nations.  S.B. 1378 requires the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board, in consultation with other medical professionals, to
conduct a review of medical training needs in the Texas-Mexico border
region. 

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.  Defines "border region."  Requires the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board (board), in consultation with certain agencies in the
health field, to conduct a review of medical training needs of health care
professionals in the border region.  Establishes required procedures for
the board in conducting the review.  Requires the board and the Texas
Department of Health to make recommendations on any action needed to
address the medical training needs regarding certain issues in the border
region.  Requires the board to report findings and recommendations for any
necessary legislation needed to address medical training needs of health
care professionals in the border region after considering the future
medical services, health care services, or other needs the region will
require, to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, and
the 77th Legislature, no later than January 1, 2001.  

SECTION 2.   Effective date: January 2, 2001.

SECTION 3.   Emergency clause.