Simmons Study Bill Compares Enrollment Before And After Dobbs

The text as introduced · 420 words

89R9332 CMO-D

By: Simmons
H.B. No. 2474

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study regarding the education and retention of

obstetricians and gynecologists in this state.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is

amended by adding Section 61.06697 to read as follows:

Sec. 61.06697. STUDY ON EDUCATION AND RETENTION OF

OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS IN THIS STATE. (a) The board, in

collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission, shall conduct a

study on the availability and adequacy of obstetrical and

gynecological education and on the state retention of obstetrical

and gynecological students graduating from a medical school in this

state and of other obstetricians and gynecologists practicing in

this state.

(b) The study must:

(1) assess the availability and adequacy of

obstetrical and gynecological coursework and residency

opportunities in this state, including residency opportunities

provided by teaching hospitals;

(2) for each of the preceding 10 years, identify the

number of:

(A) obstetricians and gynecologists receiving

medical degrees in this state who, after the first anniversary of

receiving those degrees, were still practicing obstetrics and

gynecology in this state; and

(B) obstetricians and gynecologists who moved

their medical practice from this state to another state, regardless

of when they were licensed and regardless of whether their medical

degrees were awarded in this state;

(3) compare the student enrollment in obstetrical and

gynecological coursework before and following the issuance of the

United States Supreme Court judgment in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's

Health Organization , 597 U.S. 215 (2022) and Section 6, Chapter 62 , 597 U.S. 215 (2022) and Section 6, Chapter 62

(S.B. 8), Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021; and

(4) assess the ability of the obstetrical and

gynecological workforce to meet the need for health care services

in this state.

(c) Not later than December 1, 2026, the board shall submit

to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house

of representatives, and the presiding officer of each standing

legislative committee having primary jurisdiction over higher

education a report on the results of the study and any

recommendations for legislative or other action.

(d) This section expires January 1, 2028.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.