Texas House Bill HB2080

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/19/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to certification of a person as eligible for disabled parking privileges.

Impact

The implications of HB2080 are significant for both applicants and certifying professionals. By allowing physician assistants the authority to certify applications, the bill aims to streamline the process for individuals who may face difficulties in obtaining certifications from physicians alone. This could potentially lead to quicker approvals and reduced barriers for individuals who require disabled parking access, particularly in areas where medical professionals may be limited or overburdened.

Summary

House Bill 2080 proposes an amendment to the Transportation Code regarding the certification for disabled parking privileges. The bill specifically focuses on clarifying who can issue the notarized statement or prescription required for a person applying for a disabled parking placard. Under the new provisions, both a person acting under the delegation and supervision of a licensed physician and a physician assistant licensed in Texas can provide the necessary documentation. This expands the pool of eligible certifiers beyond only licensed physicians, enhancing accessibility for individuals seeking these privileges.

Contention

While the bill appears to have potential benefits in improving access, it also raises questions regarding the standards of certification and the potential for misuse. Critics may argue about the adequacy of training and qualifications for physician assistants in this role compared to licensed physicians. Ensuring that the integrity of the certification process is maintained while broadening access is a noteworthy point of discussion surrounding this legislation.