Texas House Bill HB3216

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to maintenance of certification by a physician or an applicant for a license to practice medicine in this state.

Impact

This bill has significant implications for state laws governing healthcare and medical practice. By restricting managed care providers and state-operated institutions from discriminating based on maintenance of certification, it lowers potential barriers for physicians in the state who may have faced challenges related to their certification status. Thus, it may allow a broader base of physicians to be involved in health service provisions, potentially improving healthcare access and diversity among providers utilized by enrollees in managed care plans.

Summary

House Bill 3216 aims to amend various sections of the Texas Occupations Code relating to the maintenance of certification by physicians. This bill seeks to prohibit discrimination against physicians based solely on their maintenance of certification status, specifically within managed care plans. The central thrust is that managed care plan issuers cannot differentiate in their payment or contracting processes based solely on whether a physician maintains their certification, thereby establishing a new standard for how physicians are treated regarding contract opportunities and reimbursement.

Contention

Notably, the bill is likely to spark debate within the medical community and among healthcare policy advocates. Proponents argue that focusing on certification maintenance could help to ensure quality, while opponents may contend that it allows for a watering down of standards and could lead to reduced accountability among healthcare providers. Moreover, the legislation could have future consequences for medical practices in Texas, as it establishes a precedent regarding how certification is viewed in relation to physicians' eligibility to serve patients within managed care systems.