Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2081

Filed
2/8/23  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the registration of vision support organizations; imposing a fee; requiring an occupational registration; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2081 is expected to enhance the accountability of vision support organizations and provide patients with clearer insights into the entities involved in their eye care. By requiring registration and reporting, the bill aims to protect consumers from potential exploitation in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape influenced by corporate players. This measure potentially sets a precedent for similar regulations in other healthcare areas to ensure patient welfare and service quality.

Summary

House Bill 2081 introduces a regulatory framework for vision support organizations in Texas. It mandates such organizations to register annually with the secretary of state and outlines the process, contents of registration, and associated fees. The bill defines 'vision support organizations' as entities providing multiple business support services to optometrists, ensuring both compliance and transparency in the healthcare sector. A notable aspect of the bill is the imposition of civil penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to $1,000 for each day a violation continues.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2081 is generally positive among supporters, particularly healthcare professionals and associations like the Texas Optometric Association. They argue that this legislation is crucial for safeguarding patient interests in an era of increasing corporate influence in healthcare. However, there may be concerns amongst some stakeholders regarding the regulatory burden placed on vision support organizations, which could potentially lead to operational challenges.

Contention

One of the contentious points regarding HB 2081 revolves around the balance between necessary regulation and potential over-regulation of the vision support industry. While proponents stress the need for accountability and structure, critics may voice concerns over the feasibility and financial implications of the registration fee and compliance measures for smaller organizations. The bill also includes a specific exemption clause related to the Optometry Board rules, which might lead to debates regarding the scope of regulations imposed on business support services linked to optometrists.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 351. Optometrists And Therapeutic Optometrists
    • Section: 408

Companion Bills

TX SB820

Identical Relating to the registration of vision support organizations; imposing a fee; requiring an occupational registration; providing a civil penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX SB820

Relating to the registration of vision support organizations; imposing a fee; requiring an occupational registration; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB519

Relating to the registration of dental support organizations; imposing a fee; requiring an occupational registration; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB2847

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations, activities, and agreements; providing a civil penalty; authorizing fees; requiring an occupational registration and an occupational license.

TX HB2101

Relating to the regulation of reroofing contractors; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; requiring an occupational registration.

TX HB2777

Relating to the regulation of reroofing contractors; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; requiring an occupational registration.

TX SB1481

Relating to the regulation of reroofing contractors; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; requiring an occupational registration.

TX SB1036

Relating to the regulation of residential solar retail transactions; requiring an occupational registration; authorizing fees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB3156

Relating to the regulation of reroofing contractors; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; creating a criminal offense; requiring an occupational registration.

TX HB2043

Relating to the regulation of earned wage access services; requiring an occupational registration; imposing fees.

TX SB1168

Relating to the regulation of reroofing contractors; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; creating a criminal offense; requiring an occupational registration.

Similar Bills

TX HB1696

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists and therapeutic optometrists.

TX SB860

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

TX HB3211

Relating to vision care benefits, including participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in vision care or managed care plans.

CA SB1386

Optometry.

TX HB2960

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

CA AB1802

State Board of Optometry: optometrists: dispensing opticians.

CA AB458

Optometrists: home residence permit.

TX SB1242

Relating to certain provisions applicable to an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or ophthalmologist providing services under a managed care plan.