The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to require the statewide health coordinating council to collect an additional data set of information on all health professionals.  The bill would also require a state board, agency, or association that certifies, registers, or licenses a health professional in this state to collect on behalf of the council the additional data set of information.  The council and a state board, agency, or association that collects data on behalf of the council may enter into an interagency contract regarding the data collection.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2007.

Under the provisions of the bill, a state board, agency, or association that certifies, registers, or licenses a health profession in this state would be required to collect an additional data set of information.

It is estimated that the following agencies would have cost associated with database modifications: Texas Medical Board ($62,000 in FY08), Texas State Board of Dental Examiners ($4,243 in FY08), Texas Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners ($800 in FY08 and $400 per fiscal year for FY 2009 through 2012), Texas Optometry Board ($20,477 in FY08), Texas Board of Pharmacy ($12,176 in FY08), Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists ($8,000 in FY08), the Executive Council of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Examiners ($11,520 in FY08), and the Department of State Health Services ($94,728 in FY08, $3,728 in FY09, and $15,390 per fiscal year for FY10 through 2012) for a total cost of $213,944 in FY08, $4,128 in FY09, and $15,790 per fiscal year for FY 2009 through 2012.

Based on agency estimates, additional costs of $7,200 for temporary staff and $375 for office supplies are assumed for the Texas Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners in FY08.  Costs of $19,244 in FY08 for 0.5 FTEs and $4,811 in FY09 for 0.125 FTEs are also assumed for the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.  These amounts include $4,244 in FY08 and $1,061 in FY09 for associated benefits.  The Department of State Health Services estimates cost of $96,141 in FY08, $128,187 in FY09, and $64,094 in fiscal years FY10 through 2012 for 4 FTEs in FY08-09 and 2 FTEs in FY10 through 2012.  These amounts include $21,201 in FY08, $28,267 in FY09, and $14,134 in fiscal year FY10 through 2012 for associated benefits. Other costs anticipated by the Department of State Health Services include: $38,532 in FY08, $21,056 in FY09, and $13,348 in fiscal years FY10 through 2012 for rent and other operating expenses. 

Thus, the total cost to implement the provisions of the bill would be $375,436 in FY08, $158,182 in FY09, and $93,232 in FY10 through 2012. It is assumed that all agencies listed above, except for the Department of State Health Services would adjust fees to cover the additional costs associated with the implementation of the bill.  However, the funding and FTE authority would have to be appropriated to the agencies.