SRC-CDH H.B. 607 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 607
By: Maxey (Madla)
Health & Human Services
5-12-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

A number of advocacy groups have indicated that there are many individuals
interested in donating durable medical equipment who have difficulty
finding an organization or individual interested in taking the equipment.
In addition, there are individuals who fail to qualify for state or
federal assistance, but do not have the funds with which to purchase new
equipment.  A central information point would enable individuals to obtain
information on organizations and individuals within their community who
are interested in donating or receiving used durable medical equipment.
H.B. 607 creates a hotline that maintains a listing of durable medical
equipment and assistive technology to be donated and provides information
on resources in the local community.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 607 creates a durable medical equipment and assistive
technology listing. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Rehabilitation Commission in
SECTION 1 (Section 116.006, Human Resources Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Title 7, Human Resources Code, by adding Chapter 116, as
follows: 

CHAPTER 116.  DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 
AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LISTING

Sec. 116.001.  DEFINITION.  Defines "commission."

Sec. 116.002.  DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LISTING.
Requires the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (commission) to establish a
listing to facilitate the reuse of durable medical equipment and assistive
technology. Requires the commission to maintain a toll-free telephone
number to list items of durable medical equipment and assistive technology
that are available for donation; and to refer individuals with items that
are available for donation to certain organizations licensed to distribute
salvaged merchandise.  Requires the commission to design a sticker that
contains an informative statement about the durable medical equipment and
assistive technology listing and the toll-free telephone number.  Sets
forth the terms by which the commission is required to provide the
stickers to certain retailers; and by which a retailer is required to
affix the sticker to certain items.  Provides that Chapter 2175,
Government Code, does not apply to any equipment listed in the durable
medical equipment and assistive technology listing. 

Sec. 116.003.  LOCAL ORGANIZATION.  Requires the commission to encourage
the establishments of local organizations to facilitate the reuse of
durable medical equipment and assistive technology, and to provide certain
information to those organizations. 

Sec. 116.004.  AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT.  Authorizes the commission to
contract with local organizations and other state agencies to facilitate
the reuse of durable medical equipment and assistive technology. 
 
Sec. 116.005.  DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY OWNED BY
THE STATE.  Requires the commission to ensure that any durable medical
equipment or assistive technology owned by the state that is donated and
listed with the listing be donated to certain  nonprofit organizations for
distribution to indigent individuals. 

Sec. 116.006.  RULES.  Authorizes the commission to adopt rules to
administer this chapter. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.