By: Miles S.B. No. 2270
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to employment policies for certain health care providers
in medical and dental units.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 51.977, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 51.977. EMPLOYMENT POLICIES FOR NURSES AND
ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS IN MEDICAL AND DENTAL UNITS. (a) The
president of a medical and dental unit, as defined by Section
61.003, shall determine whether a nurse, physician assistant, or
pharmacist employed by the unit for patient care or clinical
activities is a full-time employee for purposes of:
(1) Employees group benefits under Chapter 1551
or 1601, Insurance Code;
(2) leave under Chapter 661 or 662, Government
Code; and
(3) longevity pay under Section 659.043,
Government Code.
(b) A determination under Subsection (a) does not
entitle an individual employed in a position listed in that
subsection [a nurse] who works less than 40 hours a week to the full
state contribution to the cost of any coverage or benefits.
However, from money other than money appropriated from the general
revenue fund, the employing medical and dental unit may contribute
to that cost amounts in excess of the state contribution.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2019.