By Zaffirini S.B. No. 606
74R4242 KLL-F
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the detection and prevention of osteoporosis; making an
1-3 appropriation.
1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-5 SECTION 1. FINDINGS. The legislature finds that:
1-6 (1) osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease, is a major
1-7 public health problem that, in many cases, remains undiagnosed,
1-8 resulting in fractures, pain, disability, and immobility;
1-9 (2) early detection and prevention are critical health
1-10 care strategies for those at risk of osteoporosis; and
1-11 (3) it is in the public interest of this state to
1-12 promote public awareness of the benefits and value of the early
1-13 detection, prevention, and appropriate treatment of osteoporosis.
1-14 SECTION 2. ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR THE PREVENTION OF
1-15 OSTEOPOROSIS. (a) The Advisory Council for the Prevention of
1-16 Osteoporosis is created to provide input and advice to the
1-17 commissioner of public health on strategies for educating the
1-18 public on the health benefits of early detection and prevention of
1-19 osteoporosis.
1-20 (b) Not later than December 1, 1995, the Texas Board of
1-21 Health shall appoint members of the council as follows:
1-22 (1) five health care consumers, at least two of whom
1-23 must be persons with osteoporosis and at least one of whom must be
1-24 a member of a statewide or national organization associated with
2-1 osteoporosis issues;
2-2 (2) two persons licensed to practice medicine in this
2-3 state who are knowledgeable in the prevention and treatment of
2-4 osteoporosis; and
2-5 (3) two representatives of the Texas Department of
2-6 Health with knowledge or expertise in public health education
2-7 strategies.
2-8 (c) The council shall elect one of its consumer members as
2-9 chairman. The council meets at the call of the chairman.
2-10 (d) Council members are not entitled to compensation for
2-11 service on the council but are entitled to reimbursement of travel
2-12 expenses as provided in the General Appropriations Act for state
2-13 employees.
2-14 (e) Not later than 180 days after the date of its
2-15 appointment, the council shall deliver a report to the commissioner
2-16 of public health and the Texas Board of Health recommending
2-17 strategies for educating the public on the causes of osteoporosis,
2-18 personal risk factors associated with the development of
2-19 osteoporosis, the value of early detection and prevention, and the
2-20 most cost-effective options available for treatment. The council
2-21 shall make recommendations concerning:
2-22 (1) public education campaigns through electronic or
2-23 print media, community forums, local offices of the Texas
2-24 Department of Health, employee wellness programs, hospitals and
2-25 health maintenance organizations, and nonprofit organizations with
2-26 member populations that might be at risk of osteoporosis;
2-27 (2) health care consumer education to accurately
3-1 convey the latest scientific information about osteoporosis in
3-2 terms that are easily understood; and
3-3 (3) professional education to increase awareness among
3-4 physicians and other health care providers about the public health
3-5 benefits of osteoporosis detection, prevention, and treatment.
3-6 (f) The council is not subject to Article 6252-33, Revised
3-7 Statutes.
3-8 SECTION 3. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION. In developing and
3-9 implementing the program required by Chapter 90, Health and Safety
3-10 Code, the commissioner of public health shall consider the
3-11 council's recommendations.
3-12 SECTION 4. AMENDMENT. Subtitle D, Title 2, Health and
3-13 Safety Code, is amended by adding Chapter 90 to read as follows:
3-14 CHAPTER 90. OSTEOPOROSIS
3-15 Sec. 90.001. OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS PROGRAM. The
3-16 commissioner, in consultation with the board, shall develop and
3-17 implement a program to promote public awareness of osteoporosis
3-18 detection, prevention, and treatment.
3-19 SECTION 5. APPROPRIATION. The sum of $250,000 is
3-20 appropriated to the Texas Department of Health from the general
3-21 revenue fund for each fiscal year of the fiscal biennium ending
3-22 August 31, 1997, for implementing this Act.
3-23 SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
3-24 1, 1995.
3-25 SECTION 7. EMERGENCY. The importance of this legislation
3-26 and the crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
3-27 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
4-1 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
4-2 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.