Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1592

Caption

Relating to the amount of an administrative penalty assessed against freestanding emergency medical care facilities.

Impact

The bill holds significant implications for the regulatory landscape governing emergency medical care in Texas. By establishing a more considerable financial penalty for violations, the law seeks to protect patients and ensure that care facilities maintain high standards. This change may lead to enhanced scrutiny of operational practices within freestanding emergency medical care facilities, possibly resulting in improved patient safety and care outcomes. However, it could also impose greater financial burdens on facilities that struggle to comply with existing health and safety standards.

Summary

SB1592 is a legislative bill aimed at updating regulations related to administrative penalties assessed against freestanding emergency medical care facilities in Texas. The primary change proposed by this bill is an increase in the maximum administrative penalty from $5,000 to $25,000 for repeated violations of health and safety regulations. This adjustment intends to enhance compliance among these facilities by imposing higher financial consequences for non-compliance, thereby promoting better health standards across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1592 appears to be largely supportive among health advocates and regulatory bodies, as the proposed penalties may drive necessary reforms in patient care and facility compliance. However, some opposition may arise from facility operators who express concerns about the heightened risk of financial penalties and the potential for economic strain on smaller or inadequately funded emergency medical care providers. This dual perspective highlights a balance between ensuring patient safety and the operational capabilities of care facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1592 relate to the fairness and practicality of imposing such high penalties on freestanding emergency medical care facilities. Critics may argue that while increased penalties can enforce compliance, they could disproportionately affect smaller operators who may be less equipped to absorb such costs. The discussion often revolves around the need for stringent health regulations versus the economic viability of emergency medical care facilities, particularly in underserved areas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3915

Relating to services provided by freestanding emergency medical care facilities.

TX HB3181

Relating to preparation for and response to weather emergencies that affect certain natural gas facilities; increasing the amount of civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB44

Relating to civil and administrative penalties assessed for violations of statutes or rules governing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

TX SB2474

Relating to civil and administrative penalties assessed for violations of statutes or rules governing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

TX HB2459

Relating to the administration of violations and administrative penalties of the employment of children.

TX HB3244

Relating to the operation of certain infrastructure during a weather emergency; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX SB1874

Relating to the operation of certain infrastructure during a weather emergency; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2437

Relating to the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; authorizing the assessment or increase of civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB1549

Relating to administrative penalties assessed by the Texas Workforce Commission against certain employers for failure to pay wages.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.