Volume 25, Issue 2
BULLISH RETURNS IN THE 2013 TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION FOR MEDICINE AND ANESTHESIOLOGY
Clayton Stewart
Dir. Of Govermental Affairs
The 83rd Legislative Session was massively successful for the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. Not only did TSA pass significant legislation that will benefit all of medicine, but the society was also able to play a larger role in influencing bills protecting the practice of medicine. I want to very much thank all of our members who helped by participating in TSA Day or through testifying in committee.
Truth and Transparency
Texas became the 13th state in the country to approve the Truth and Transparency Initiative being pushed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. This is monumental legislation in the medical world that requires health care practitioners in hospital settings to wear a badge clearly stating their title as designated by their state issued license. TSA was the driving force behind this legislation and worked closely with Senator Jane Nelson and Representative Sarah Davis to make this concept into law.
Link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/SB00945F.pdf#navpanes=0
Local Anesthesia
It was discovered this past fall that the Texas Medical Board lacked the authority to promulgate rules regarding best practices for Local Anesthesia in an outpatient setting. TSA wasted no time in filing legislation that would fix the oversight in state law. With the help of Senators Dr. Bob Deuell and Dr. Charles Schwertner and guidance in the House from Representative Sarah Davis, the TMB will now have the opportunity to set rules that enhance patient safety regarding the use of local anesthesia.
Link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/SB00978F.pdf#navpanes=0
GME Funding
Under the Leadership of Senator Tommy Williams and Representative John Otto, GME funding took center stage this session. Not only were the cuts to GME from the previous legislative session restored, but we saw an increase of $9.5 million in formula funding along with an increase to physician shortage and expansion programs as well. From the first day of session TSA actively displayed support for GME funding.
Link: http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/Appropriations_Bills/
83/Conf_Bill.pdf
Enhanced Delegated Model to APRNs
One of the biggest changes for the medical community this session was the expansion of the delegated practice model between Physicians and Advance Practice Registered Nurses. While it does allow for delegation by a physician to seven APRNs (no board waiver), the new law ensures that independent diagnoses and prescribing will continue to belong to the practice of medicine. Additionally, physicians must provide monthly quality assurance checks that can be adjusted over time based on the experience of the APRN. This new law puts the power in physicians’ hands, allowing them the flexibility to delegate in a manner that is most appropriate for their practice.
Link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/SB00406F.pdf#navpanes=0
Silent PPO Legislation Passed
Representative Craig Eiland and Senator Charles Schwertner took a stand this session to remove silent PPOs from our insurance system. This new law will regulate third party access to network and discount information, establish rights and responsibilities of contracting entities, and require disclosure of any third-party access to provide discounts and registration of unlicensed contracting entities. The law will also provide remedies for discounts taken without a contractual basis, eliminating the burdens that have been placed on physicians for years.
Link: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/SB00822F.pdf#navpanes=0
