HBA-MPM H.B. 398 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 398
By: Smith
Public Health
67/10/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In some instances, there has been confusion over the ability or right of an
individual to procure personal billing records regarding medical services
provided to them.  While physicians are required to provide medical records
within a set time period after receiving a written request, prior to the
77th Legislature, state law did not specify a time limit for billing
records, and individuals might have waited a lengthy period of time to
receive their records.  House Bill 398  includes billing records in medical
record provisions related to physician-patient communication.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the Texas State Board of Medical
Examiners in SECTION 6 (Section 159.0061, Occupations Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 398 amends the Occupations Code to include billing records in
medical record provisions related to physician-patient communication. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 15, 2001.