The Texas Medical Board (Board) proposes an amendment §187.5, concerning National Practitioner Databank (NPDB).

The amendment to §187.5 deletes language specifying the types of actions that are reportable and adds language that provides that the board will report according to NPDB guidelines and applicable federal law.

Scott Freshour, General Counsel for the Board, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing this proposal will be to have rules that are accurate and unambiguous as to the Board's reporting requirements.

Mr. Freshour has also determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implication to state or local government as a result of enforcing the section as proposed. There will be no effect to individuals required to comply with the rule as proposed. There will be no effect on small or micro businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Rita Chapin, P.O. Box 2018, Austin, Texas 78768-2018 or e-mail comments to: rules.development@tmb.state.tx.us. A public hearing will be held at a later date.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code Annotated, §153.001, which provides authority for the Board to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; enforce this subtitle; and establish rules related to licensure.

The amendment is also authorized by Chapter 164, Texas Occupations Code.

No other statutes, articles or codes are affected by this proposal.