Texas Senate Bill SB335

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/12/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/14/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/24/11
• Refer: 2/2/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/11/11
• Report Pass: 3/14/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 3/24/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 3/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to an exemption from regulation as health spas for certain governmental hospitals and clinics.

Impact

If enacted, SB335 would lead to alterations in how health services are delivered by governmental institutions, particularly state and federally owned hospitals and clinics. These facilities could further innovate in providing health and wellness services without the constraints typically associated with health spa regulations. This change could improve patient access to services traditionally offered at health spas while potentially enriching the scope of treatment available through these governmental entities.

Summary

SB335 proposes an amendment to the Occupations Code of Texas, specifically revising the definition of a 'health spa'. This bill aims to exempt certain governmental hospitals and clinics from being classified as health spas under state regulations. This change is significant because it recognizes that these government-operated facilities often operate under different missions and regulations compared to private health spas, and thus should not be subjected to the same regulatory burdens. Such an exemption would facilitate their activities without the need for compliance with the usual health spa regulations.

Contention

While the bill presents a streamlined approach to regulation, it may also raise concerns among private health spas and other stakeholders in the health and wellness community. Opponents might argue that such exemptions could lead to unfair competition, where government-funded clinics could offer services without the same regulatory oversight that private entities must adhere to. Therefore, while the legislation aims to reduce regulatory burdens on government facilities, it could introduce disparities in the regulatory landscape for health and wellness services in Texas.