82R2224 CJC/NC-F
By: Coleman H.B. No. 1568
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of certain local governmental entities in
certain populous counties to appoint, contract for, or employ
physicians.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 281, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 281.0283 to read as follows:
Sec. 281.0283. HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT; EMPLOYMENT
OF PHYSICIANS. (a) The board of the Harris County Hospital
District may appoint, contract for, or employ physicians as the
board considers necessary for the efficient operation of the
district.
(b) The term of an employment contract entered into under
this section may not exceed four years.
(c) A physician employed by the Harris County Hospital
District under this section is subject to the same standards and
procedures regarding credentialing, peer review, quality of care,
and privileges as a physician not employed by the district.
(d) This section may not be construed as authorizing the
board of the Harris County Hospital District to supervise or
control the practice of medicine, as prohibited by Subtitle B,
Title 3, Occupations Code.
SECTION 2. Subchapter C, Chapter 351, Local Government
Code, is amended by adding Section 351.045 to read as follows:
Sec. 351.045. HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES;
EMPLOYMENT OF PHYSICIANS. (a) The commissioners court of a county
with a population of 3.3 million or more may appoint, contract for,
or employ physicians to provide health care services to inmates in
the custody of the sheriff.
(b) This section may not be construed as authorizing the
commissioners court to supervise or control the practice of
medicine, as prohibited by Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code.
SECTION 3. 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, 2011.