Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 162 requires the Health and Human Services Commission to develop a Texas Diabetes Care Pilot Program to provide continuous care, including preventive services, to Medicaid recipients who have diabetes-related conditions. The act also amends the Insurance Code to require the commissioner of insurance, in consultation with the Texas Diabetes Council, to adopt minimum standards for benefits that certain health insurance plans must provide to enrollees with diabetes.

            Senate Bill 162 amends the Health and Safety Code to abolish the Texas Diabetes Council and require the governor and certain state agencies to accomplish a revised membership plan for a newly created council as prescribed in the act. The governor or a state agency is not prohibited from reappointing a person who is currently serving on the council. The act requires the council to provide public awareness information about diabetes through businesses, civic organizations, and public schools. The act also requires the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Texas Department of Health and the council, to develop a diabetes education program that a school district may use in its health curriculum.