Texas House Bill HB3310

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting certain discrimination against a physician or an applicant for a license to practice medicine in this state.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3310 is expected to have significant implications on state laws governing medical practice. By directly amending the Health and Safety Code and the Occupations Code, the bill aims to create an environment where physicians are not disadvantaged based on their certification status. It essentially redefines the terms of engagement between health care providers and medical institutions, promoting equal treatment regardless of a physician's certification status. If enacted, this bill could lead to a more diverse pool of healthcare providers practicing in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 3310 seeks to prohibit discrimination against physicians based on their specialty medical board certification or the maintenance of such certification in Texas. The bill outlines that neither hospitals nor managed care plan issuers can require physicians to obtain or maintain specialty board certification or maintenance of certification to qualify for medical staff membership or professional privileges. This legislation is framed as a protective measure that allows physicians to practice medicine without the unnecessary barriers posed by certification requirements that may not be relevant to their competencies.

Contention

Despite its protective intent, HB 3310 has sparked debate amongst healthcare professionals and lawmakers. Supporters assert that the current certification process can be overly burdensome and does not necessarily correlate with the quality of care provided to patients. However, some critics fear that diminished certification requirements may lead to a decline in the standard of care in Texas. The bill raises questions about the balance between accessibility to the medical profession and the safeguards typically ensured by rigorous certification processes.