87R12887 DRS-F
By: Smith, Oliverson H.B. No. 2380
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to participation by videoconference at informal
proceedings of the Texas Medical Board.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 164.003, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:
(c-1) A license holder may reply to the staff's presentation
and present facts under Subsection (c) by videoconference under
Section 164.0033.
SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 164, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 164.0033 to read as follows:
Sec. 164.0033. APPEARANCE BY VIDEOCONFERENCE IN INFORMAL
PROCEEDINGS. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, and subject to
Section 164.003(b), the board may hold informal proceedings under
this chapter by videoconference or, if a respondent is unable to
participate by videoconference, by telephone conference call.
(b) The board may authorize the board's legal counsel, a
member of the board's staff, or any other person authorized or
required to participate in informal proceedings under this chapter
to participate by videoconference.
(c) The board shall adopt procedures for holding informal
proceedings by videoconference that ensure that each participant is
clearly visible and audible while that participant is speaking.
SECTION 3. Section 164.004, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) A license holder's appearance at an informal meeting by
videoconference as provided by Section 164.0033 constitutes
personal appearance under this section.
SECTION 4. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
informal proceedings under Chapter 164, Occupations Code, that
occur on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 5. 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, 2021.