By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 606 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT 1-1 relating to the detection and prevention of osteoporosis. 1-2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-3 SECTION 1. FINDINGS. The legislature finds that: 1-4 (1) osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease, is a major 1-5 public health problem that, in many cases, remains undiagnosed, 1-6 resulting in fractures, pain, disability, and immobility; 1-7 (2) early detection and prevention are critical health 1-8 care strategies for those at risk of osteoporosis; and 1-9 (3) it is in the public interest of this state to 1-10 promote public awareness of the benefits and value of the early 1-11 detection, prevention, and appropriate treatment of osteoporosis. 1-12 SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: 1-13 (1) "Board" means the Texas Board of Health. 1-14 (2) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public 1-15 health. 1-16 (3) "Department" means the Texas Department of Health. 1-17 SECTION 3. OSTEOPOROSIS PROGRAM. (a) In consultation with 1-18 the board, the commissioner shall develop and implement a program 1-19 for educating the public on the causes of osteoporosis and the 1-20 personal risk factors associated with the development of 1-21 osteoporosis, publicizing the value of early detection and 1-22 prevention, and identifying the most cost-effective options 1-23 available for treatment. 1-24 (b) In developing the program created by this section, the 2-1 commissioner may appoint a task force to make recommendations on 2-2 strategies for educating the public on the health benefits of early 2-3 detection and prevention of osteoporosis. The members of the task 2-4 force shall receive no compensation, per diem, or expense 2-5 reimbursement for their service on the task force. 2-6 SECTION 4. EMERGENCY. The importance of this legislation 2-7 and the crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 2-8 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 2-9 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 2-10 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.