Texas House Bill HB3878

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement to obtain a license to practice as an anesthesiologist assistant; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.

Impact

By instituting a licensing requirement, HB3878 seeks to enhance the regulation and oversight of anesthesiologist assistants, ensuring that they meet specific education and training standards. This bill empowers the medical board to set fees for licensure and adopt necessary rules to govern practices, which could streamline the process and improve patient care by ensuring that assistants work under trained supervision. The establishment of the Texas Anesthesiologist Assistant Board also indicates a move towards more structured governance in the field, potentially improving the standing and recognition of the role of anesthesiologist assistants within Texas healthcare.

Summary

House Bill 3878 aims to formalize the licensure process for anesthesiologist assistants in Texas, establishing standards for their practice and outlining the powers and duties of the Texas Anesthesiologist Assistant Board. This legislation amends the Occupations Code to include a new chapter specifically governing the requirements for anesthesiologist assistants, including the creation of a licensing framework managed by the Texas Medical Board. It mandates that individuals must obtain a license to practice as anesthesiologist assistants, which includes stipulations for education, training, and certification requirements.

Contention

While the bill focuses on creating a clear framework for anesthesiologist assistants, there may be concerns over whether the licensure process could create barriers for entry into the profession or might limit the availability of anesthesia services in some areas. However, supporters argue that standardizing licensure will ensure a higher level of competency and safety in the profession, which is crucial for patient care. The potential administrative penalties set forth in the bill for unlicensed practice also seek to enforce compliance, raising discussion about the balance of regulation versus accessibility in the healthcare job market.