BG S.B. 938 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC HEALTH
S.B. 938
By: Ellis (Coleman)
5-14-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND 

Currently, the Texas Department of Health contracts with local agencies,
organizations, and other entities to provide services under the Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Legislation passed by the 73rd Legislature required organizations under
contract with the department to provide WIC services for specific hours
during evenings or on weekends.  S.B. 938 requires an agency that
contracts with WIC to provide services during extended hours as defined by
the Texas Department of Health. 

PURPOSE

S.B. 938 requires an agency that contracts with the Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children to provide services
during extended hours as defined by the Texas Department of Health. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 32.021, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

Sec. 32.021.  REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN
PROGRAM.  Revises language to require certain entities contracting with
the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
(WIC), to provide, each month, the clinical and nutritional services
supported by that program during extended hours, as defined by the Texas
Department of Health (department).  Deletes language which pertained to
evening hours or on Saturdays.  Requires certain entities that contract
with WIC to provide clinical or nutritional services to submit annual
plans to the department that include certain information.  Provides that
certain entities contracting with WIC are not required to offer extended
hours at each of its service sites.  Deletes provisions affecting types of
entities described in Subsection (a).  Requires the department to adopt
guidelines for extended hours and  waivers as specified, rather than the
granting of waivers. Deletes a provision relating to adoption guidelines
in the administering of WIC.  Requires an agency, organization, or other
entity, rather than a clinic, to submit a written justification to the
department.  Prohibits the department from granting a waiver to an agency,
organization, or other entity for a period of more than two years.
Deletes a provision requiring the department to provide certain services.
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Requires the department to adopt guidelines for extended hours
and waivers, as required by Section 32.021, Health and Safety Code, by
January 1, 1998. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997. 
  Makes application of this Act prospective to January 1, 1998.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.