Bill: SB 315, 85(R) - 2017

Committee

Senate Health & Human Services

2nd Chamber Committee

House Public Health

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral

Author(s)

Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa

Sponsor(s)

Cindy Burkett

Co-Sponsor(s)

Dan Flynn
Richard Raymond
Senfronia Thompson

Bill Caption

Relating to the enforcement of subpoenas and the regulation of pain management clinics by the Texas Medical Board.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would allow the Texas Medical Board through the attorney general to file a suit to enforce a subpoena if a person does not comply with the subpoena. The bill also adds a legislative finding stating that deaths from misuse of opioids and controlled substances constitute a public health crisis and that the Medical Board should closely regulate the prescribing of opioids and controlled substances. The bill would lastly allow the board to inspect pain management clinics under the subchapter and to determine whether an uncertified clinic or facility is required to be certified under the statute. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill makes mostly procedural changes to the law, including the ability of the board to inspect uncertified pain management facilities to see if they should be certified under the chapter. This and the legislative findings that the board should monitor controlled substance prescribing practices could be abused by the board to make it more difficult for providers to practice without government interference. However, these changes are not largely significant and do not create new barriers to entry in the market, therefore we remain neutral. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/26/2024 03:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/sb315?print_view=true