83R6393 SLB-D By: S. Davis of Harris H.B. No. 1782 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the requirement that health care practitioners wear photo identification badges. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 112, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: CHAPTER 112. GENERAL LICENSING AND PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS SECTION 2. Chapter 112, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subchapter C to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER C. GENERAL PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS Sec. 112.101. PHOTO IDENTIFICATION BADGE REQUIRED. (a) In this section, "health care practitioner" has the meaning assigned by Section 112.001 and includes a student, resident, or intern in a program leading to licensure as a practitioner. (b) A health care practitioner shall wear a photo identification badge in a conspicuous manner during all patient encounters, unless precluded by adopted sterilization or isolation protocols. The badge must be of sufficient size to be visible and must clearly state: (1) the practitioner's name; (2) the type of license held by the practitioner, if the practitioner holds a license under this title; and (3) the wearer's status as a student, resident, or intern if the practitioner does not hold a license under this title. (c) A person who violates this section shall be considered to be in violation of the law regulating the health care profession in which the person is engaged. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.