Texas House Bill HB1137

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an annual report prepared by the Health Professions Council.

Impact

The bill emphasizes reducing the time associated with processing license applications for health care professionals and increasing the availability of practitioners who can offer mental and behavioral health services. By mandating these reports, HB1137 seeks to improve the overall landscape of health care in Texas, promoting recommendations that are aimed at legislative appropriations for better workforce management. This is particularly crucial in ensuring that areas lacking sufficient health care providers receive focused attention.

Summary

House Bill 1137 proposes amendments to Section 101.151 of the Occupations Code, mandating that the Health Professions Council annually prepare and submit a report detailing statistical compilations of enforcement actions, recommendations for statutory changes, and strategies to enhance the health care workforce in Texas. This bill aims to address the growing needs in the health care sector, especially in underserved areas, by focusing on both the expansion of the workforce and the improvement of regulatory practices.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to streamline health care regulations, it may face scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in truly enhancing workforce numbers and improving service delivery. Critics might argue that without appropriate funding and support for implementing the proposed strategies, the bill may not achieve its desired goals. Moreover, ensuring that the recommendations are acted upon by the legislature will be essential to translating the report findings into tangible improvements in health care accessibility.

Notable_points

If passed, the bill will require the Health Professions Council to submit detailed reports to significant state leaders, including the governor and the legislative committees overseeing public health. The requirement for early reporting on strategies for workforce expansion could lead to proactive measures and discussions regarding health care in Texas, affecting policy direction and resource allocation in forthcoming legislative sessions.