SRC-JFA H.B. 358 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 358
By: Maxey (Zaffirini)
Health & Human Services
4-28-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Department of Health (department) is authorized to
place under detention any potentially misbranded or adulterated drug or
medical device.  The law does not specify if such detained products cannot
be used.  This bill would prohibit the use of certain articles detained or
embargoed by the department under the authority of the Health and Safety
Code.  
 
PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 358 prohibits the use of certain articles detained or
embargoed by the Texas Department of Health under authority of the Health
and Safety Code.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 431.021, Health and Safety Code, to provide that
the use of a detained or embargoed article in violation of Section
431.048, among other actions, is unlawful and prohibited.   

SECTION 2. Amends Section 431.048(b) and (c), Health and Safety Code, to
require the tag or marking on a detained or embargoed article to warn all
persons not to use the article, among other actions, until permission for
use is given by the Commissioner of Health (commissioner), the authorized
agent, or a court.  Prohibits a person from using a detained or embargoed
article or from disposing of a detained or embargoed article by sale or
otherwise, among other actions, without permission of the commissioner,
the authorized agent, or a court.   

SECTION 3. Amends Section 431.049(a), Health and Safety Code, to authorize
the commissioner or an authorized agent, under certain conditions, to
order the transfer of certain articles to one or more secure storage areas
to prevent their unauthorized use, among other actions.  

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.