House Bill 626

Chair's Name: Sharon Cooper

Committee: Health & Human Services

House Sponsor: Tom Graves

HB 626 eases the continuing education burden placed on retired physicians who provide free health care by limiting the required continuing education to a maximum of 20 hours annually. If a retired physician has not had an active license for more than five years, up to 40 hours may be required.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Health & Human Services Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Cooper�s opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

Currently retired physicians who provide free care may be forced to take 40 hours of continuing education classes every two years, this bill would allow these physicians to only have to take 20 hours of CE credit to stay current with their medical license.  Also it lowers the numbers of hours that may be required for a retired physician who has been retired for more that five years or more.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

Physicians who are performing services in these free clinics, feel the amount of hours is too burdensome.

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Reduces the Tax Burden on our Citizens:

This legislation will reduce the tax burden by increasing access to free care.