Texas Senate Bill SB1648

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a system health center by a university system.

Impact

The legislation mandates that to establish a system health center, a university system must demonstrate a clear need based on demographic and health care coverage data, alongside physical access to teaching hospitals and adequate support facilities. It requires appropriate financial backing, showing community support from various entities, indicating a substantial commitment to funding health-related education and research programs. Additionally, it describes a significant level of annual research activity to ensure that the center contributes meaningfully to healthcare advancements.

Summary

SB1648 proposes the establishment of system health centers within Texas university systems aimed at integrating biomedical and clinical research, patient care services, and educational programs in health professions. The bill outlines the framework for university systems to operate health centers that not only provide medical education but also contribute significantly to patient care and community health. This integration is meant to foster collaboration among medical schools, health professional schools, and teaching hospitals to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.

Contention

During the discussions on SB1648, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of serving diverse populations in the state. Stakeholders may debate the necessity and efficiency of new health centers versus investing in existing infrastructure. Critics might argue whether such centers can truly address the regional healthcare disparities, or if they would merely contribute to the existing healthcare framework without making a significant impact. Considerations regarding how these centers align with broader state healthcare priorities and funding distribution will likely influence ongoing discussions.