Texas Senate Bill SB86

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/2/09
• Voted on by Senate: 3/19/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of certain aliens for a license to practice medicine in this state.

Impact

The implementation of SB86 is expected to enhance the availability of medical professionals in underserved areas of Texas, which aligns with state public health objectives. By incentivizing foreign-trained physicians to practice in regions in dire need of medical services, the bill could potentially improve healthcare outcomes for residents of these areas. However, it restricts eligibility to ensure that applicants have focused their practice or agreed to work in the most affected communities, thereby prioritizing the health needs of Texans in these regions.

Summary

Senate Bill 86 (SB86) aims to establish additional eligibility requirements for certain foreign nationals applying for medical licenses in Texas. Specifically, the bill mandates that applicants who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents must demonstrate that they have either practiced medicine for at least three years or have entered into an agreement to practice medicine in designated health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address healthcare access in regions where there are significant shortages of medical professionals.

Contention

While proponents of SB86 argue that it will make a meaningful contribution to mitigating physician shortages in critical areas, some opponents may raise concerns over the implications for foreign nationals seeking to enter the medical profession in Texas. Critics could argue that these stringent requirements may deter qualified healthcare providers from seeking licensure, thereby exacerbating the issue of healthcare access rather than alleviating it. Furthermore, how the Texas Medical Board implements provisions for oversight and compliance with the agreement to practice could also be a point of contention among stakeholders.