HBA-BSM S.B. 1106 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1106 By: Bernsen Civil Practices 5/7/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Medical Liability and Insurance Improvement Act of Texas (Act) was enacted in 1977 in response to the medical malpractice insurance crisis. Optometrists were not included at the time because the incidence of malpractice suits against optometrists was low, and it was thought that adding them to the Act might increase the number of optometry malpractice claims rather than lower them. Senate Bill 1106 adds optometrists and therapeutic optometrists to the list of health care providers covered by the Act. 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 1106 amends the Medical Liability and Insurance Improvement Act of Texas to include optometrist or therapeutic optometrist in the definition of "health care provider." EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.