BILL ANALYSIS


                                                    C.S.S.B. 1431
                                                    By: Zaffirini
                                        Health and Human Services
                                                          4-13-95
                                   Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND

Rural area medical emergencies demand specialized emergency medical
services.

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1431 requires a state emergency medical
services (EMS) plan to include an emergency radio communication
plan, and requires the Bureau of Emergency Management within the
Texas Department of Health 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 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. Amends Chapter 773B, Health and Safety Code, by adding 
Section 773.0215, as follows:

     Sec. 773.0215.  PLAN FOR STATEWIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
     FORCE.  (a) Requires the Bureau of Emergency Management within
     the Texas Department of Health (bureau) to develop a plan to
     establish a statewide EMS force composed of volunteers trained
     and recruited by the Texas Department of Health (department)
     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.  Declares 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) Provides that this section expires January 16, 1997.
       
       SECTION 3.   Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.