Relating to the creation of the Texas Department of Health Professions to regulate certain health professions, the transfer of certain powers and duties to the department, and the abolishment of certain state agencies and other licensing entities.
Impact
By abolishing multiple existing agencies, including the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing, and others, the bill consolidates oversight under one entity, potentially reducing redundancies and confusion that arise from having multiple regulatory bodies. This change is meant to create a more coherent framework for health profession regulation, which can enhance accountability and responsiveness to public health needs.
Summary
House Bill 3426 aims to create the Texas Department of Health Professions, which will oversee the regulation and licensing of various health professions in the state. The bill proposes to transfer the powers and duties from several existing state agencies and establish a centralized department responsible for the enforcement and administration of health-related regulations. This move is designed to streamline the processes involved in regulating health professions, offering more efficiency in governance and service delivery.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 3426 has been largely positive among supporters who advocate for streamlined government processes and enhanced efficacy in regulating health professions. However, there are concerns raised by some stakeholders about the concentration of power in a single agency. Critics argue this may lead to reduced oversight and accountability, as fewer entities would be involved in regulatory checks and balances.
Contention
Notably, debates surrounding the bill highlight concerns regarding the qualifications and independence of the newly formed department and board. Questions have been raised about whether the centralization of power could inadvertently lead to regulatory capture or weaken protections for consumers. Stakeholders are particularly interested in how the transition will affect current licenses and the processes for new applicants moving forward.
Identical
Relating to the creation of the Texas Department of Health Professions to regulate certain health professions, the transfer of certain powers and duties to the department, and the abolishment of certain state agencies and other licensing entities.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to health care transparency, including advertising, identification, and notice requirements for certain health facilities and health professionals; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.
Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.
Relating to the creation of the Texas Department of Health Professions to regulate certain health professions, the transfer of certain powers and duties to the department, and the abolishment of certain state agencies and other licensing entities.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and to the operations of certain other entities performing functions associated with the department.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and to the operations of certain other entities performing functions associated with the department.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.