SRC-AXB H.B. 1444 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1444 By: Delisi (Moncrief) Health Services 5/13/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, public health services are defined as population-based services that are directed to protecting the health of the general public. In a study conducted by the Texas Department of Health and other entities, it was found that there is a need to address public health issues at a local level. H.B. 1444 creates a program which provides program based grants and a local public health consortium in an effort to improve local public health services. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1444 creates a program which provides program based grants and a local public health consortium in an effort to improve local public health services. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Board of Health in SECTION 1 (Section 121.0065(b), Health and Safety Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 121.002, Health and Safety Code, as follows: Sec. 121.002. New heading: DEFINITIONS. Defines "essential public health services" and "physician." SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 121A, Health and Safety Code, by adding Sections 121.0065121.0067, as follows: Sec. 121.0065. GRANTS FOR ESSENTIAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES. Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH), to administer a program under which money may be granted to certain entites to pay for essential public health services. Requires the Texas Board of Health (TBH) to adopt rules governing certain issues. Requires certain entities to develop a plan to evaluate certain aspects of the essential public health services provided under the grant. Sets forth plan requirements. Authorizes certain entities to appoint a local health board to monitor the use of money received under this section. Sets forth provisions for the operation of certain health boards. Provides that Chapter 738, Government Code, and standards adopted under that chapter control if applicable to a grant made under this section. Sec. 121.0066. ESSENTIAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED BY DEPARTMENT. Authorizes TDH to provide services for certain entities which are not receiving a grant to provide those services. Requires TDH to develop a plan to evaluate certain aspects of services provided under this section. Sec. 121.0067. EVALUATION AND REPORT OF DELIVERY OF ESSENTIAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES. Requires TDH, in cooperation with certain entities, to evaluate certain issues. Requires TDH to file the evaluation with certain entities by January 1 of each odd-numbered year. Sets forth requirements of the report. SECTION 3. Amends Section 121.007(c), Health and Safety Code, to require the regional director to perform the duties of a health authority in a jurisdiction in the region without a health authority. Deletes text regarding a health authority and makes conforming changes. SECTION 4. Amends Section 121.028, Health and Safety Code, to require the appointment of a physician by certain entities. Authorizes a certain entity to serve as the health authority for one or more other jurisdictions under an interlocal contract. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 5. Amends Section 121.032, Health and Safety Code, to delete text regarding powers and duties of a local health department. SECTION 6. Amends Chapter 121, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subchapter F, as follows: SUBCHAPTER F. PUBLIC HEALTH CONSORTIUM Sec. 121.101. DEFINITION. Defines "consortium." Sec. 121.102. CONSORTIUM ESTABLISHED. Requires TDH to establish a public health consortium, and sets forth the composition of this consortium. Sec. 121.103. GENERAL DUTIES. Requires TDH to take certain actions, subject to the availability of funds. Authorizes the training curricula described by Subsection (a)(1) to include training for local health authorities. SECTION 7. Repealers: Sections 121.007(d) and (e), Health and Safety Code (regarding the authority to serve as health authority and rulemaking authority). SECTION 8. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.