Texas House Bill HB3456

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/7/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/29/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/5/09
• Governor Action: 5/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/7/09
• Passed: 5/19/09

Caption

Relating to the education and preparation of resident physicians.

Impact

This legislation revised the existing provisions of the Education Code, notably Section 61.097. One of the fundamental changes introduced by this bill is the establishment of financial support for Baylor College of Medicine that does not exceed $15,000 per resident physician per fiscal year. This funding will be instrumental in improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare education and fostering an environment where resident physicians can thrive in their educational pursuits.

Summary

House Bill 3456 aims to enhance the education and preparation of resident physicians in Texas, particularly through partnerships with the Baylor College of Medicine. The bill mandates that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board contract with Baylor to oversee the administration, direction, and necessary services related to the training of resident physicians. This initiative is significantly directed towards improving the availability of trained medical professionals in Texas, focusing on those willing to serve in medically underserved areas.

Conclusion

Overall, HB3456 positions itself as a significant contributor to enhancing medical training and addressing healthcare disparities in Texas. Its focus on preparing resident physicians to practice in various specialties, particularly in primary care, reflects a recognized need to bolster healthcare services in Texas, ensuring that the future medical workforce is both well-trained and responsive to the needs of the state's diverse communities.

Contention

A critical aspect of HB3456 lies in its potential implications for the medical workforce in Texas. The bill emphasizes the importance of primary care fields by aiming for at least 50% of first-year resident physicians to be placed in such areas. This priority comes amidst concerns about the shortage of healthcare providers in less-represented populations and regions across the state. Critics might argue about the logistics of implementing such a focused approach without compromising educational standards.