Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Impact
The introduction of HB 1685 represents a significant shift in healthcare regulation within the state. By allowing graduates from medical programs to obtain occupational licenses, the bill could potentially address physician shortages, particularly in underserved areas. This measure may enhance patient access to care by giving insurance companies and policyholders the ability to work with a broader pool of qualified healthcare providers. However, it also raises questions about the adequacy of current licensing processes and the oversight needed to ensure that new physicians are well-qualified to practice.
Summary
House Bill 1685 focuses on the licensing and regulation of physician graduates in the state. The bill seeks to provide a framework for allowing insured individuals the right to select a physician graduate under their health insurance policies. The proposed legislation aims to establish clearer guidelines for the licensing process, including the potential for fees associated with occupational licenses for physician graduates. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the bill is designed to ensure that licensed graduates meet specific standards required for practice in the state.
Contention
While the bill appears beneficial in expanding healthcare options, there have been concerns regarding the implications of introducing more physician graduates into the healthcare system without sufficient experience or oversight. Critics of the bill argue that it could lead to a dilution of standards within the medical profession, resulting in questions around patient safety and care quality. Proponents contend that with rigorous licensing, the inclusion of physician graduates is necessary to meet patient demands and prevent a shortage of healthcare providers.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Occupations Code
Chapter 155. License To Practice Medicine
Section: New Section
Insurance Code
Chapter 1451. Access To Certain Practitioners And Facilities
Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of associate physicians and the authority of an insured to select an associate physician under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.
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.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to the issuance by the Texas Medical Board of certain licenses to practice medicine and the authority of an insured to select certain license holders under the insured's health policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Relating to an education program to enable certain students to practice medicine in certain rural counties and to physician delegation of certain medical acts to advanced practice registered nurses, including in certain rural counties.