SRC-JFA S.B. 1313 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1313
By: Carona
Health & Human Services
3-21-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

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.  S.B. 1313 would require the board to
approve licensed dietitians to directly participate in the chronically ill
and disabled children's services program.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, 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

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 35.004(b), Health and Safety Code, to require
the Board of Health (board) to approve, among others, licensed dietitians
to participate in the chronically ill and disabled children's services
program according to the criteria and following the procedures prescribed
by the board.   

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.