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


Senate Research Center   C.S.S.B. 938
By: Ellis
Health & Human Services
4-10-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

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

As proposed, C.S.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

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 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 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 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, 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.

 SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Makes a change in the relating clause.  

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 32.021, Health and Safety Code, to require certain agencies
contracting with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children, rather than the Supplemental Food Program for
Women, Infants, and Children to provide clinical and nutritional services,
rather than certain services.  Requires certain agencies to provide
clinical or nutritional services in annual plans submitted to the
department. 

SECTION 3.

Makes a change in the prospective clause.