By: Nelson, Shapleigh S.B. No. 525
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain qualified alien physicians practicing medicine
in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subsection (a), Section 12.0127, Health and
Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a) The department, in accordance with 8 U.S.C. Sections
1182 and 1184 [Section 1182(e), as amended, under exceptions
provided by 8 U.S.C. Section 1184(l), as amended], may request
waiver of the foreign country residence requirement for a qualified
alien physician who agrees to practice medicine in accordance with
the federal waiver requirements, provided priority is given to an
area with [a medically underserved area or health professional
shortage area, as designated by the United States Department of
Health and Human Services, that has] a current shortage of
physicians.
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.