SRC-JBJ H.B. 1459 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1459
76R1725 SKT-DBy: Dunnam (Sibley)
Human Services
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, small counties and cities in the state use local hospital
authorities if they lack other facilities to handle the daily needs of the
elderly.  The special hospital authorities may only operate in areas with
certain population limits.  H.B. 1459 would authorize a rural hospital
authority that owns or operates certain hospitals in a county with a
population of 225,000 or less, rather than 35,000 or less, to provide
services or personnel care facilities for the elderly.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1459 authorizes certain rural hospitals to provide
services or personnel care facilities for the elderly.  

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 262.034(e), Health and Safety Code, to apply
this section only to an authority that owns or operates a hospital licensed
under Chapter 241 and that is located in a county with a population of
225,000 or less, rather than 35,000 or less. 

SECTION 2.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.