TMA Legislative Hotline

TMA Legislative News Hotline: Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Pat Overton — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:55:50 GMT

The finish line of the 2013 legislative session is within reach, with only six days left. At this point, every minute is critical to move bills. For a bill to survive at this point, it must get through the Texas House by tomorrow. Wednesday is the last day for the House to consider local and consent Senate bills on second or third reading and all third readings of Senate bills on the House Supplemental Calendar. Wednesday is also the last day for the Senate to consider all bills on second or third reading.

TMA Legislative News Hotline: Monday, May 20, 2013

Pat Overton — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:30:27 GMT

On Saturday, Gov. Rick Perry signed into law the first of five TMA bills reducing red tape for physician practices. Senate Bill 166 by Sen. Robert Deuell, MD (R-Greenville), and Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) allows physicians to check in patients using the electronic strip on the back of their Texas driver's license starting Sept. 1.

TMA Legislative News Hotline: Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Pat Overton — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:42:47 GMT

Cynthia Jumper, MD, a Lubbock internist and member of TMA’s Council on Medical Education, testifies before the House Higher Education Committee today in support of Senate Bill 301. The measure by Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) prevents offshore medical schools from buying clinical clerkships for their students.

TMA Legislative News Hotline: Thursday, May 16, 2013

Pat Overton — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:18:45 GMT

Big news. The House gave its final approval yesterday to Senate Bill 406 by Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) and Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) that strengthens the physician-led medical team model.

TMA Legislative News Hotline: Friday, May 17, 2013

Pat Overton — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:02:55 GMT

Great news: The House gave its preliminary approval of TMA’s legislation to improve due process, transparency, and expediency when the Medicaid Office of Inspector General (OIG) accuses a physician of fraud or abuse. Senate Bill 1803 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) makes these six changes to the process.