Texas Senate Bill SB1360

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/11/11
• Refer: 3/22/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11
• Voted on by House: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 5/11/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/11/11
• Report Pass: 5/16/11
• Enrolled: 5/25/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to continuing education for physicians and nurses regarding the treatment of tick-borne diseases.

Impact

The bill introduces specific amendments to the Occupations Code, particularly concerning the requirements for continuing medical education (CME) for physicians and nurses. It encourages the inclusion of tick-borne disease treatment education as part of their ongoing professional training. By requiring state medical and nursing boards to develop and approve CME courses on this topic, the legislation aims to standardize and elevate the level of knowledge across healthcare providers, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients suffering from these diseases.

Summary

SB1360 seeks to enhance the education of physicians and nurses regarding the treatment of tick-borne diseases in Texas. Understanding the implications of tick-borne diseases has become increasingly important due to their impact on public health. The bill mandates that medical and nursing education incorporate knowledge about these diseases, thereby improving the care provided to affected individuals. The focus on continuing education intends to ensure that healthcare providers remain up-to-date on relevant practices and treatment methodologies.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding SB1360 include the practical implications of the rule-setting process by the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Board of Nursing, as well as concerns about unfunded mandates on healthcare providers. Some stakeholders may argue that while the intent is noble, the implementation of such continuing education requirements could place additional burdens on medical professionals who are already subject to various other educational requirements. Additionally, the necessity for timely and effective training on tick-borne diseases might be debated, especially concerning existing continuing education commitments.