BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 482
By: Zaffirini (Berlanga)
04-11-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

A growing population, changing demographics and limited resources
create a challenge for Texas in the area of health service
delivery. Recognizing the problems the state faces in ensuring
access to preventive care, the Texas Department of Health (TDH)
continuously seeks new and innovative ways to provide and expand
needed services. One way to do so is through the expansion of
existing public and private partnerships. In most communities,
however, public, private, non-profit, and individual efforts to
improve health care are not coordinated. A fragmented approach may
limit the effectiveness of service delivery to those who need it
most.

PURPOSE

S.B. 482 creates and sets forth the duties of the Texas Volunteer
Health Corps.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Adds Subchapter H, entitled "TEXAS VOLUNTEER HEALTH
CORPS," to Chapter 12, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

     Sec. 12.091. (a) Requires the TDH to establish the Texas
Volunteer Health Corps (Corps)     to enhance community-based
public health services.

     (b) Requires the Corps to connect volunteers with residents of
communities to involve   those residents in preventative health
                         care and in decisions about their own
                         health, and to increase support for
                         public health.

     Sec. 12.092. (a) Authorizes the TDH to employ coordinators to
recruit, train and refer      volunteers for community service.

     (b) Authorizes a coordinator employed under this section to
apply for grants from any     source.

     Sec. 12.093. (a) Authorizes recruited volunteers to include
students in high school or an      institution of higher
                                   education, senior citizens,
                                   participants in the AFDC job
                                   opportunities and basic skills
                                   training program, VISTA, and
                                   AmeriCorps volunteers, and
                                   volunteers from business and
                                   community networks.

     (b) Authorizes the corps volunteers to promote health, expand
client capacity for self-help,     make clinic appointments,
                                   arrange transportation, and
                                   identify and provide links to
                                   community resources.

     Sec. 12.094. (a) Authorizes the TDH to identify vital health
issues and sets forth examples     of the issues.

     (b) Authorizes the Corps to address a vital health care issue
if a community identifies it  as a priority.


     Sec. 12.095. Requires the TDH to encourage health care
professionals to volunteer as      corps mentors.

     Sec. 12.096. Authorizes the TDH to provide public health
information materials as needed    by the Corps. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.B. 482 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on
April 11, 1995. The bill was reported favorably without amendment
by a record vote of 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 0 PNV, 4 Absent.