Texas Senate Bill SB404

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to complaints filed with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy; authorizing fees.

Impact

By streamlining the complaint process, SB404 aims to improve the efficiency of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy in handling complaints, particularly through the implementation of remedial plans. The bill specifies that the board cannot consider complaints that allege violations occurring more than seven years prior to the complaint filing date. Additionally, the bill allows for the removal of records related to a successful remedial plan after five years, which is intended to support license holders in maintaining their professional reputations provided they address the issues satisfactorily.

Summary

SB404 focuses on the regulation of complaints filed against license holders with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. The bill proposes amendments to existing laws concerning how the board manages complaints, including the establishment of remedial plans to address issues raised against pharmacy license holders. A significant aspect of the bill is the authorization for the board to assess fees for managing these remedial plans, thereby allowing the board to recover operational costs associated with the enforcement of this law.

Conclusion

Overall, SB404 represents a significant shift in how complaints against pharmacy professionals are managed in Texas, potentially impacting current state laws regarding regulatory oversight. While it aims to enhance the board's responsiveness and operational efficiency, stakeholders may express varied perspectives regarding its implications for pharmacy licensing and professional accountability.

Contention

While the bill is designed to promote efficiency within the board's operations, the introduction of fees for remedial plans could be a point of contention among pharmacy license holders. Critics may argue that imposing fees adds an additional burden on license holders already facing regulatory scrutiny, potentially deterring individuals from fully engaging with the complaint process. Furthermore, the restrictions on addressing older complaints might raise concerns about justice and accountability for past actions of license holders.