Texas House Bill HB998

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to administrative penalties assessed or imposed against certain hospitals and reported to certain health professional licensing boards.

Impact

The implementation of HB998 will specifically impact how administrative penalties are handled within healthcare institutions. From the date the bill becomes effective, any violations leading to penalties will not only increase transparency but also ensure that licensing boards are informed of significant compliance actions against healthcare professionals. This modification is intended to strengthen the oversight of healthcare practices within hospitals and reinforce the standards of care expected of licensed professionals.

Summary

House Bill 998 addresses the administrative penalties that can be assessed or imposed against certain hospitals in Texas and establishes new protocols for reporting these penalties to relevant health professional licensing boards. The bill amends Section 241.059 of the Health and Safety Code by introducing a requirement for the Department of Health to forward copies of finalized orders regarding penalties to the appropriate licensing board within 30 days. This measure aims to enhance accountability among healthcare providers by ensuring that violations that occur are officially documented within the provider's licensing file.

Contention

While the bill generally aims to improve accountability, there may be underlying concerns surrounding the implications of such reporting. Healthcare providers might express apprehension about how these penalties could affect their professional reputations and operations. Critics might argue that the bill could potentially lead to a chilling effect, where hospitals may hesitate to report violations or proceed with care practices due to fear of retribution from licensing boards. Overall, the discussions surrounding this bill could revolve around balancing accountability with fair treatment of healthcare professionals.