The following information was obtained from the November 20 issue of the Texas Register:
Emergency Rules
The Texas Medical Board adopted a new §180.4, concerning Operation of Program, which establishes the requirements for eligibility, referrals, drug-testing, and fees for the Physician Health Program. The board contemporaneously proposes a permanent new §180.4. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information.
Proposed Rules
HHSC proposes to adopt and repeal several sections of the code: Quality Assurance Fee, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicaid Health Services, Medicaid Eligibility For Women, Children, Youth, And Needy Families, Temporary Assistance For Needy Families And Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs, and Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (Tanf)-Level Medical Assistance. See the details in the relevant sections (scroll down for each entry) of the Texas Register.
The Texas Medical Board proposes to amend §175.5, concerning Payment of Fees or Penalties, which would allow the board to offer refunds to applicants who withdraw their applications within 45 days of initial application.
The board proposes a new §180.4, concerning Operation of Program, which would establish the requirements for eligibility, referrals, drug-testing, and fees for the Physician Health Program.
Finally, the board proposes to amend §187.14, concerning Informal Resolution of Disciplinary Issues Against a Licensee, which would amend the composition and functions of the Quality Assurance Committee that reviews investigated complaints filed with the board. An excerpt:
Nancy Leshikar, General Counsel for the Board, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the proposal will be to expedite the processing of some complaints, reduce the number of cases referred for informal settlement conferences, and better utilize resources of the Board.
Ms. Leshikar has also determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implication to state or local government as a result of enforcing the section as proposed. There will be no effect to individuals required to comply with the rule as proposed. There will be no effect on small or micro businesses.
Follow the link and scroll down to each section for information on where to send comments.