BILL ANALYSIS


                                                     C.S.S.B. 606
                                                    By: Zaffirini
                                        Health and Human Services
                                                          3-22-95
                                   Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable bone disease.  Early
detection can help most women avoid the negative effects of the
disease, but most women learn about osteoporosis only after a
fracture occurs.  Educating women that osteoporosis is a common and
potentially dangerous disease can help motivate them to take the
steps necessary to avoid or mitigate the disease's effects.

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 606 requires the commissioner of health to
develop and implement an osteoporosis awareness program and
appropriates $250,000 to the Texas Department of Health for the
implementation of this Act.

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. FINDINGS.  Sets forth findings of the legislature
regarding osteoporosis.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.  Defines "board," "commissioner," and
"department."

SECTION 3. OSTEOPOROSIS PROGRAM.  (a) Requires the commissioner of
health (commissioner), in consultation with the Texas Board of
Health, to develop and implement a program for educating the public
on the causes of osteoporosis  and the personal risk factors
associated with the development of the disease, publicizing the
value of early detection and prevention, and identifying the most
cost-effective options available for treatment.

     (b) Authorizes the commissioner to appoint a task force to
     make recommendations on strategies for educating the public on
     the health benefits of early detection and prevention of the
     disease.  Prohibits the members of the task force from
     receiving any compensation, per diem, or expense reimbursement
     for service on the task force.
     
     SECTION 4.     APPROPRIATION.  Appropriates to the Texas Department of
Health $250,000 for each fiscal year in the 1996-97 biennium for
the implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.