S.B. No. 606
                                        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.  Subtitle D, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is
    1-4  amended by adding Chapter 90 to read as follows:
    1-5                       CHAPTER 90.  OSTEOPOROSIS
    1-6        Sec. 90.001.  FINDINGS.  The legislature finds that:
    1-7              (1)  osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease, is a major
    1-8  public health problem that, in many cases, remains undiagnosed,
    1-9  resulting in fractures, pain, disability, and immobility;
   1-10              (2)  early detection and prevention are critical health
   1-11  care strategies for those at risk of osteoporosis; and
   1-12              (3)  it is in the public interest of this state to
   1-13  promote public awareness of the benefits and value of the early
   1-14  detection, prevention, and appropriate treatment of osteoporosis.
   1-15        Sec. 90.002.  OSTEOPOROSIS PROGRAM.  Using existing
   1-16  resources, the department shall educate the public on the causes of
   1-17  osteoporosis and the personal risk factors associated with the
   1-18  development of osteoporosis, publicize the value of early detection
   1-19  and prevention, and identify the most cost-effective options
   1-20  available for treatment.
   1-21        Sec. 90.003.  TASK FORCE.  (a)  In developing the program
   1-22  created by Section 90.002, the commissioner may appoint a task
   1-23  force to make recommendations on strategies for educating the
   1-24  public on the health benefits of early detection and prevention of
    2-1  osteoporosis.
    2-2        (b)  Members of the task force are not entitled to
    2-3  compensation, a per diem, or expense reimbursement for their
    2-4  service on the task force.
    2-5        SECTION 2.  The importance of this legislation and the
    2-6  crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
    2-7  emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
    2-8  constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
    2-9  days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended,
   2-10  and that this Act take effect and be in force from and after its
   2-11  passage, and it is so enacted.