HBA-BSM S.B. 1024 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1024
By: Carona
Public Health
5/15/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, investigators conducting business on behalf of the Texas State
Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (board) do not have immunity from
liability.  Senate Bill 1024 grants immunity to individuals contracted by
the board to conduct investigations. 

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. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 1024 amends the Occupations Code to provide that an
investigator whose service is obtained by the Texas State Board of
Podiatric Medical Examiners (board) in a complaint investigation is immune
from suit and liability for:  

 _holding an informal conference to determine the facts of the complaint; 

 _testifying at a hearing regarding the investigation; 

 _issuing an opinion on or making a report about a person who files a
complaint or requests the services of the board, a podiatrist, or a
podiatric patient; and  

 _investigating a complaint filed with the board. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.