BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        H.B. 1207
                                                By: Cook (Sibley)
                                      Intergovernmental Relations
                                                          4-13-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Hospital districts have the responsibility under the constitution
to provide health care for the needy population of the hospital
district.  Hospitals have lacked the authority to contract with the
Department of Health to provide preventive health care services for
the needy.  The authority rests with the local health department or
public health district on the local level.  This has impeded a
hospital district's efforts to not only treat the indigent, but to
provide the indigent with the knowledge of preventive care.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1207 authorizes a hospital district to contract
with the Texas Department of Health for the provision of certain
health care services for the residents of the district.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 285, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Subchapter H, as follows:

                    SUBCHAPTER H.  CONTRACTS

     Sec. 285.091.  HOSPITAL DISTRICT CONTRACTS.  Authorizes a
     hospital district created under general or special law to
     contract with the Texas Department of Health for the provision
     of health care and preventative health care services to
     eligible residents of the district.
     
     SECTION 2.     Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.