Budget Issues for the TMB
At the June meeting for the Texas Medical Board, staff reported to the Board members that the Board is doing well for its 2010 budget, which ends on August 31st. Currently, the Board has spent 7.5 million out of an 11 million dollar budget. Most of the remaining money will go to staff salaries and to the Board’s expert reviewers.
As we know times are tight for government due to the poor economy. As such, the Governor asked all state agencies to cut 5% of their budgets. For the Board that is 1.46 million dollars. The Board was awarded by the Governor 2.5% of that money back. In response to this new money, the Board lifted its hiring freeze.
Mari Robinson, the Executive Director reported the Board will post jobs in July, and actual hiring in August. She also reported that the Licensure Division does not operate on laser fiche, they have to scan everything. This is large efficiency loss, if they do have funds, some will be expended to bring licensure in line to laser fiche. Also would like to get technology to allow board members to attend ISC’s remotely. The camera they purchased did not give them the quality they had hoped for; Board members want to be able to see expressions on Respondent’s faces. The Board is looking at spending money on a better camera to cut down on travel expenses. Information Technology is researching the costs, and they expect to recoup the money in one to two months in travel savings.
Ms. Robinson also reported Board staff met with chair of appropriations committee. A big portion of the cuts were on the expert panel reviews. They feel they are currently closing many of the cases on the front end.
TMB just received legislative appropriations request and fully intended not to ask for additional funding. They are required to submit a budget and then two appendendacies with additional cuts in each. Board staff is of the opinion that it does not have any additional monies it can cut. If they can save on travel, they will put that in, but when you are talking about cuts of millions, it will not be a great help. Board staff reported it will go back to letting cases sit and wait for expert reviewers, as this is a major expense.
Board staff reported that Licensing fees have been increased, which was pointed out when they submitted the budget cuts. This may be why they received money back. Board staff is concerned about the budget for 2012 and 2013, which will not be finalized until the end of June 2011. The Board believes it will need to look at brining in additional revenue. Board staff pointed out the agency brings in triple of what is appropriated through licensure fees, renewal fees and fines. Board staff hopes the Legislature will take this additional revenue rather than cut the Board’s base budget. Board staff encouraged Board members communicate with legislators on how budget cuts effect the operations of the Board.