Bill Caption

Relating to the regulation of certain health organizations certified by the Texas Medical Board; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing a fee.

Fiscal Notes

According to the Legislative Budget Board, no fiscal impact to the state is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 1532 would amend the Occupations Code to establish a procedure for the Texas Medical Board to review and process complaints against certain certified nonprofit health organizations for alleged violations of the governing statute. The board would be required to adopt rules to maintain a system to promptly and efficiently act on complaints, notify the health organization that is the subject of the complaint, ensure that  complaint is not dismissed without appropriate consideration, and establish methods by which physicians employed by a health organization are notified of the contact information of the board for the purposes of filing a complaint.

Complaints, reports, investigation files, investigation reports, and other investigative information would be confidential.

Health organizations would be required to develop anti-retaliation measures for physicians under which the health organization may not demote, terminate, retaliate against, discipline, discriminate against, or otherwise penalize a physician for filing a complaint in good faith and cooperating in good faith with an investigation

Additionally, each health organization would be required to file a biennial report detailing certain information about the organization.

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 1532 is an administrative bill which does not appear to have a connection to our liberty principles, therefore we remain neutral.