HBA-DMD, PDH H.B. 1409 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1409
By: Junell
Public Safety
7/27/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, a person in Texas may not operate a school bus for the
transportation of students unless that person meets certain medical and
physical capability requirements during an annual physical examination.
Prior to the 76th Legislature, the performance of the physical examination
was limited to doctors. However, federal regulations allow an advanced
nurse practitioner to perform physical examinations for commercial motor
vehicle drivers, including bus drivers. 

H.B. 1409 authorizes a physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician
assistant to conduct the required examination in order to determine a
person's mental and physical capabilities to safely operate a school bus.
This bill also authorizes an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or therapeutic
optometrist to conduct the part of the examination relating to the person's
vision. 

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 521.022(c), Transportation Code, to authorize a
physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant to conduct the
required examination to determine a person's mental and physical
capabilities to safely operate a school bus. Authorizes an ophthalmologist,
optometrist, or therapeutic optometrist to conduct the part of the
examination relating to the person's vision. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.