Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1705

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/17/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/30/09  
Out of House Committee
5/22/09  
Voted on by House
5/27/09  
Governor Action
6/19/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/28/09  

Caption

Relating to the authority and policies and procedures of the Dallas County Hospital District with regard to appointing, contracting for, or employing physicians, dentists, and other health care providers.

Impact

The passage of SB1705 is expected to significantly impact how healthcare is managed within the Dallas County Hospital District. By explicitly granting the authority to employ healthcare providers, the bill strengthens the operational capabilities of the district. However, it also includes restrictions, ensuring that the board does not infringe upon the autonomy of medical practice as established in existing occupational laws, which may serve to protect the integrity of healthcare delivery in the area.

Summary

SB1705 seeks to amend the Health and Safety Code to provide the Dallas County Hospital District the authority to appoint, contract for, or employ healthcare providers, including physicians and dentists. This legislative initiative is intended to streamline the hiring processes within the district, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare services offered. By allowing the board to take direct action in hiring qualified health professionals, it aims to address critical staffing needs in the region's healthcare facilities.

Contention

While SB1705 seems poised to improve healthcare availability and response times in Dallas County, it is not without its points of contention. Critics may argue that broadening the hiring authority of the hospital district could lead to increased bureaucracy or challenges related to oversight and accountability. Moreover, existing healthcare providers might express concerns regarding job security or changes in employment conditions as the board gains more autonomy over hiring decisions. The balance between efficient staffing and regulatory compliance remains a critical discussion point as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

TX HB3698

Identical Relating to the authority of the Dallas County Hospital District to appoint, contract for, or employ physicians, dentists, and other health care providers.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2332

Relating to the operations of hospital districts in counties with a population of at least 190,000 persons.

TX HB492

Relating to the creation and operation of a mental health services district by the Midland County Hospital District of Midland County, Texas, and the Ector County Hospital District.

TX SB297

Relating to hospital patients' rights and hospital policies and procedures; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB166

Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain public school students with disabilities.

TX SB1225

Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain public school students with disabilities.

TX HB4700

Relating to the creation and operations of a health care provider participation program by the Nacogdoches County Hospital District.

TX SB1449

Relating to the authority of the Harris County Hospital District to employ and commission peace officers.

TX HB3789

Relating to the authority of the Harris County Hospital District to employ and commission peace officers.

TX SB2039

Relating to health care practitioner authority regarding certain do-not-resuscitate orders, including the use of electronic copies and photographs of out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate orders.

TX HB1972

Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or program.

Similar Bills

CA SB997

Local control and accountability plans: parent advisory committee: student advisory committee.

CA SB1381

School districts and community college districts: governing board elections: charter cities.

CA AB979

Local agency formation commissions: district representation.

WV SB693

Clarifying meeting voting requirements for political party executive committees

DE HB184

An Act To Amend Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Redistricting Of The General Assembly.

DE HB44

An Act To Amend Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Redistricting Of The General Assembly.

MO SB150

Requires the creation of county commission political party committees

MO SB901

Modifies provisions relating to county commission district political party committees