BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 1431
By: Zaffirini, et al. (Berlanga)
May 2, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Rural area medical emergencies demand specialized emergency medical
services.

PURPOSE

S.B. 1431 would require a state emergency medical services (EMS)
plan to include an emergency radio communication plan, and require
the Bureau of Emergency Management within the Texas Department of
Health (TDH) to establish a statewide EMS force to provide support
and assistance to local governments and districts that provide EMS.

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 Section 773.021, Health and Safety Code, to
require the Bureau of Emergency Management within the Texas
Department of Health (Bureau) to develop a state plan for the
delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) to include an
emergency radio communication plan to be used by local governments
and districts that provide EMS to develop an emergency radio
communication network linking EMS providers with local hospitals or
trauma centers.

SECTION 2. Adds Section 773.0215 to Chapter 773B, Health and Safety
Code, as follows:

     Sec. 773.0215.  PLAN FOR STATEWIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
     FORCE.  (a) Requires the Bureau to develop a plan to establish
     a statewide EMS force composed of volunteers trained and
     recruited by the TDH and supported by state-of-the-art
     equipment, technology, and training.
     
     (b) Requires the plan to include proposals to provide
       support and assistance to local governments and districts
       that provide EMS in the state.
       
       (c) Authorizes the Bureau, in developing the plan, to
       appoint a task force.  Establishes that a task force member
       is not entitled to receive compensation or reimbursement for
       travel expenses while serving on the task force.
       
       (d) Requires the Bureau, not later than December 1, 1996, to
       report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the
       house of representatives, and the legislature with respect
       to the plan, any comments the bureau may have with respect
       to the plan, and any legislation required to implement the
       plan.
       
       (e) States that this section expires January 16, 1997.
       
       SECTION 3.   Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

S.B. 1431 was considered by the Public Health Committee in a public
hearing on May 2, 1995.
The bill was reported favorably without amendment, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to the
Committee on Local and Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 6
AYES, 0 NAYS, 0 PNV, and 3 ABSENT.