Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB603

Caption

Relating to certain complaints concerning the Texas Medical Board.

Impact

The implementation of HB603 will lead to a clearer process for license holders to voice complaints against the Texas Medical Board, effectively bringing more oversight into the handling of such complaints. By requiring the board to forward complaints to legislative committees, the bill increases expectations for public accountability. This could benefit both the board by fostering a transparent environment and the license holders by providing them a formal channel to express grievances, potentially leading to reforms in how the board operates.

Summary

House Bill 603 aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of the Texas Medical Board by mandating the submission of certain complaints against the board to the legislative committees that have primary jurisdiction over the board. This bill particularly addresses complaints made by license holders regarding the board's actions or its employees, including how investigations of those complaints are conducted. This shift represents a significant step towards legislative oversight of the board’s functions, as it seeks to ensure that the concerns raised by medical professionals are duly considered and addressed at a governmental level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB603 appears to be supportive among those who prioritize transparency and accountability within the Texas Medical Board. Advocacy groups and some legislative members see this bill as a necessary reform, aimed at protecting the rights of license holders. However, there may also be concerns regarding how this increased scrutiny will affect the board’s operations and whether it could result in overregulation or an influx of complaints that require extensive resources to manage.

Contention

While HB603 seems beneficial in enhancing the complaint process, some contention may arise regarding the potential increase in administrative burden placed on the Texas Medical Board as it adapts to comply with the new requirements. Critics might argue that the proposed measure could distract from the board's primary regulatory functions. Additionally, there may be debates over how this legislation will interface with existing complaint procedures and whether it will effectively resolve the issues it seeks to address.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB666

Relating to complaint information and to rulemaking and disciplinary procedures of the Texas Medical Board.

TX SB184

Relating to municipal civilian complaint review boards in certain municipalities.

TX HB894

Relating to municipal civilian complaint review boards in certain municipalities.

TX SB1343

Relating to the composition of the Texas Board of Nursing and procedures applicable to complaints against advanced practice registered nurses.

TX HB1770

Relating to nurse profiles and certain information concerning nurses maintained on the Texas Board of Nursing's Internet website.

TX SB471

Relating to the investigation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of certain complaints.

TX HB2635

Relating to the composition of the Texas Board of Nursing and procedures applicable to complaints against advanced practice registered nurses.

TX HB1998

Relating to the regulation of physicians, the disciplinary authority of the Texas Medical Board, and the administration of the Texas Physician Health Program; increasing a criminal penalty; imposing a surcharge.

TX SB320

Relating to complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

TX SB161

Relating to the procedure for certain complaints against health care practitioners.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.