Bill

SB 674

85(R) - 2017
Senate Health & Human Services
House Public Health
Senate Health & Human Services
House Public Health
Department of Health
Health & Human Services
Healthcare
Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Charles Schwertner

Sponsor(s)

Sarah Davis

Co-Sponsor(s)

Garnet F. Coleman

Bill Caption

Relating to an expedited licensing process for certain physicians specializing in psychiatry; authorizing a fee. 

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would require the Texas Medical Board to create an expedited licensing process (including a fee for the expedited process) for a physician specializing in psychiatry for an applicant that holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine issued by another state, is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill is in the spirit of limited government and seeks to promote government efficiency by expediting the process of licensing psychiatrists in Texas who are already board certified nationally. This bill specifies psychiatrists since there is a shortage of mental health professionals in many areas of Texas, and this bill seeks to help remedy that access problem. For these reasons, we support this legislation.