Relating to the ability of professional associations to hire certain health care professionals.
Impact
The impact of HB 1864 on state laws revolves primarily around the amendment of the Business Organizations Code, which governs how professional entities operate in Texas. By enabling professional associations to employ practitioners outside of their usual licenses, the bill opens up new avenues for healthcare service delivery, potentially expanding access to care in various specialties. However, it also imposes restrictions ensuring that those hired retain their independent clinical judgment, thus promoting patient safety and autonomy in clinical decision-making.
Summary
House Bill 1864 aims to update the regulations surrounding the employment of healthcare professionals by professional associations in Texas. The bill allows these associations to hire a range of professionals—including physicians, veterinarians, and mental health professionals—regardless of whether their licensed services align with those provided by the association's founding members. This change seeks to enhance healthcare delivery by allowing more flexibility in staffing and service provision within professional associations.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding HB 1864 pertain to the balance between allowing professional associations more operational flexibility while maintaining ethical standards in medical practices. Critics might argue that the broadened hiring practices could dilute the quality of care if not regulated properly, while proponents may view it as an essential step towards reinvigorating health services in Texas by leveraging diverse professional skills. The bill's passage could spark debates on how best to integrate clinical independence with collaborative practice models.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to health care transparency, including advertising, identification, and notice requirements for certain health facilities and health professionals; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.
Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.
Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.
Probate: guardians and conservators; requirements to be appointed as guardian or conservator; modify. Amends title & secs. 5106, 5108a, 5313 & 5409 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5106 et seq.) & adds secs. 5106a & 5106b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4171'23
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.