Texas House Bill HB3406

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the delegation of prescriptive authority by physicians.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3406 will particularly affect Section 157.0512 of the Texas Occupations Code. The bill mandates that any delegation of prescriptive authority made after the effective date of this legislation cannot involve any form of compensation to the delegating physician. This change will ensure that physicians who delegate prescribing power do so without financial incentive, which can influence the ethical dimensions of patient care and healthcare delivery processes.

Summary

House Bill 3406 addresses the delegation of prescriptive authority by physicians, particularly in relation to advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. The bill seeks to prevent physicians from receiving remuneration when delegating such authority, which has implications for collaborative practice agreements and healthcare providers. By regulating this aspect of delegation, the bill aims to clarify the legal and financial relationships between physicians and other healthcare practitioners.

Contention

While the intent of HB 3406 is to promote ethical practices in healthcare, there may be differing opinions on its potential impact on healthcare accessibility and provider collaboration. Some may argue that prohibiting remuneration could discourage physicians from delegating authority, thereby limiting the ability of advanced practice providers to function effectively in their roles. Others may support the bill as a necessary step to eliminate conflicts of interest and enhance patient trust in the prescribing process.