BG S.B. 1313 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC HEALTH
S.B. 1313
By: Carona (Hirschi)
5-8-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND 

Currently, under Chapter 35, Health and Safety Code, the chronically ill
and disabled children's services program (program) provides medical and
related services to children with certain diseases or medical conditions.
The program provides eligible children early identification, diagnosis and
evaluation, rehabilitation, development and improvement services.  Section
35.004, Health and Safety Code, specifies that the Texas Board of Health
(board) shall approve "physicians, dentists, facilities, specialty
centers, and other providers" to participate and provide services under
the program.  The board has approved, by rule, "other providers," to
include podiatrists, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists,
medical supply and/or equipment companies, transportation companies and
providers, meal and lodging facilities, and funeral homes.  Upon referral
and order by the treating physician or dentist, licensed dieticians may
provide nutritional services to eligible children in in-patient settings.
Program children frequently have special dietary needs in addition to
their medical conditions or treatment regimens.  Licensed dietitians can
only provide such services through an intermediary who is an "approved
provider" in out-patient settings. 

PURPOSE

S.B. 1313 requires the Texas Board of Health to approve licensed
dietitians to participate in the chronically ill and disabled children's
services program.  

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 35.004(b), Health and Safety Code, to add
"licensed dietitians" to the list of providers and entities that the Board
of Health (board) is required to approve to participate in the chronically
ill and disabled children's services program as specified.  

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.