82R2224 CJC/NC-F
 
  By: Coleman H.B. No. 1568
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the authority of certain local governmental entities in
  certain populous counties to appoint, contract for, or employ
  physicians.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 281, Health and Safety
  Code, is amended by adding Section 281.0283 to read as follows:
         Sec. 281.0283.  HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT; EMPLOYMENT
  OF PHYSICIANS. (a) The board of the Harris County Hospital
  District may appoint, contract for, or employ physicians as the
  board considers necessary for the efficient operation of the
  district.
         (b)  The term of an employment contract entered into under
  this section may not exceed four years.
         (c)  A physician employed by the Harris County Hospital
  District under this section is subject to the same standards and
  procedures regarding credentialing, peer review, quality of care,
  and privileges as a physician not employed by the district.
         (d)  This section may not be construed as authorizing the
  board of the Harris County Hospital District to supervise or
  control the practice of medicine, as prohibited by Subtitle B,
  Title 3, Occupations Code.
  SECTION 2.  Subchapter C, Chapter 351, Local Government
  Code, is amended by adding Section 351.045 to read as follows:
         Sec. 351.045.  HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES;
  EMPLOYMENT OF PHYSICIANS. (a)  The commissioners court of a county
  with a population of 3.3 million or more may appoint, contract for,
  or employ physicians to provide health care services to inmates in
  the custody of the sheriff.
         (b)  This section may not be construed as authorizing the
  commissioners court to supervise or control the practice of
  medicine, as prohibited by Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2011.