HBA-MPM H.B. 1314 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1314 By: Hochberg Higher Education 6/7/1999 Enrolled BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (cancer center) currently provides allied health training and awards certificates in the following five specialized areas: medical technology, cytotechnology, cytogenetic technology, radiation therapy technology, and medical dosimetry. Most of these programs require a person to have a baccalaureate degree to sit for the required board examination for certification in each of these disciplines. Prior to the 76th Legislative session, the cancer center did not have the authority to grant such a degree. Several of these allied health education programs, such as the medical dosimetry and radiation therapy programs, are unique in the University of Texas System and the state. Since allied health education programs were discontinued at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, the cancer center assumed the duties of providing training in these fields. H.B. 1314 authorizes the cancer center to offer professional degrees for certain allied health training programs. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 73.102, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 73.102. New title: PURPOSE; DEGREE PROGRAMS. Authorizes the board of regents of The University of Texas System, if the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (board) determines the roll and mission of the institution to be changed to include degree-granting authority, to prescribe courses and conduct allied health professional degree programs related to the purpose of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, which is the diagnosis, teaching, study, prevention, and treatment of neoplastic and allied diseases. Provides that the degree programs offered are subject to approval by the board. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.