SRC-AXB H.B. 1444 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1444
By: Delisi (Moncrief)
Health Services
5/14/1999
Committee Report (Amended)


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 grants authorized by Subsection (a) to be distributed
equally between urban and rural areas of Texas.   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.  Provides that this Act takes effect only if a specific
appropriation is provided in H.B. 1, General Appropriations Act. 
  
SECTION 9.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.