SRC-JRN S.B. 938 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 938
By: Ellis
Health & Human Services
4-7-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Department of Health contracts with local agencies,
organizations, and other entities to provide services under the
Supplemental Food 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

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

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 32.021, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

Sec. 32.021.  REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN
PROGRAM.  Requires certain entities contracting with the Supplemental Food
Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), to provide, each month, the
services supported by that program during extended hours, as defined by
the Texas Department of Health (department).  Deletes a provision
requiring the department to require certain entities to contract with WIC
during the evening hours or on Saturdays as provided by Subsection (b).
Requires certain entities that contract with WIC to submit 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, rather than the granting of waivers from
the requirement of Subsection (a).  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.