Texas Senate Bill SB2194

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to physician assistant services performed as volunteer care.

Impact

The bill's enactment would significantly affect how physician assistants operate during emergencies and public events. By removing supervision requirements during volunteer work, it aims to enhance the availability of medical services when they are most critically needed. This provision also extends to those not licensed in Texas who are employed by the federal government, promoting a broader scope of volunteer capabilites in emergency medical care. Providers could thus engage more effectively in public health initiatives and disaster response efforts.

Summary

Senate Bill 2194 amends the Texas Occupations Code to clarify provisions regarding the activities of physician assistants who provide medical care as volunteers during disasters or at charitable events. The bill specifically exempts certain supervision and delegation requirements for these professionals, allowing them to perform medical tasks without a supervising physician in specific scenarios, including state-declared disasters or charitable activities. This change places an emphasis on promoting voluntary care in high-need situations without the typical constraints imposed by regulatory requirements.

Contention

While the bill appears to facilitate volunteer medical assistance, it may also raise concerns regarding patient safety and the quality of care provided in the absence of regulatory oversight. Critics might argue that with less supervision, the potential for misdiagnosis or inappropriate care could increase. Additionally, the liability protection offered to physician assistants under this act can lead to debates about accountability, particularly in cases where volunteer-provided services do not meet expected medical standards. Therefore, the balance between encouraging volunteerism and ensuring safe medical practices remains a point of contention.