81R2477 JRJ-D
By: Alonzo, Vo H.B. No. 184
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an optometry career program at the University of
Houston.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 111, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 111.43 to read as follows:
Sec. 111.43. OPTOMETRY CAREER PROGRAM. (a) The university
may operate a summer program that prepares highly qualified,
economically disadvantaged junior-level, senior-level, and
postbaccalaureate students from any public or private institution
of higher education for advanced studies and a career in the field
of optometry. The program may include:
(1) courses in improvement of study skills and
Optometry Admission Test preparation courses;
(2) a review of selected undergraduate academic
courses that are prerequisites for admission to advanced degree
programs in optometry;
(3) academic courses that are designed to familiarize
students with the course work in advanced degree programs in
optometry;
(4) clinical work; and
(5) extracurricular activities, including observing
professionals in the field of optometry.
(b) To the extent practicable, and consistent with the
purposes of the program, the university shall operate the program
in a manner that may assist students to obtain course credit for the
program from their respective institutions of higher education.
(c) The university shall:
(1) recruit eligible undergraduate or
postbaccalaureate students for admission to the program;
(2) establish an application process for admitting
eligible undergraduate or postbaccalaureate students to the
program;
(3) develop reasonable requirements for admission to
the program;
(4) monitor the implementation of the program; and
(5) assist in developing services, including career
counseling, to support and encourage the pursuit of advanced
studies and careers in the field of optometry.
(d) The university may solicit and accept gifts and grants
from any public or private source for the purposes of this section.
The legislature may appropriate money for the purposes of this
section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.