S.B. No. 1476
AN ACT
relating to the authority of a community health center to contract
with or employ an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 351, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 351.367 to read as follows:
Sec. 351.367. CONTRACT OR EMPLOYMENT WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH
CENTERS. (a) In this section, "community health center" means a
health organization that:
(1) is a nonprofit corporation under the Texas
Non-Profit Corporation Act (Article 1396-1.01 et seq., Vernon's
Texas Civil Statutes) and Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code
of 1986; and
(2) is organized and operated as:
(A) a migrant, community, or homeless health
center under the authority of and in compliance with 42 U.S.C.
Section 254b or 254c; or
(B) a federally qualified health center under 42
U.S.C. Section 1396d(l)(2)(B).
(b) The board by rule shall certify a health organization to
contract with or employ an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist
if the organization:
(1) applies for certification on a form approved by
the board; and
(2) presents proof satisfactory to the board that the
organization is a community health center.
(c) A community health center that contracts with or employs
an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist under this section may
not control or attempt to control the professional judgment of the
optometrist or therapeutic optometrist.
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.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1476 passed the Senate on
April 30, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1476 passed the House on
May 15, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 144, Nays 0, one present
not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor