SRC-ARR H.B. 1677 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1677
76R8722 EBy: Janek (Moncrief)
Health Services
5/2/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, two vaccines are available which can decrease morbidity and
morality due to pneumonia in the elderly. The influenza and pneumococcal
vaccines are both covered by Medicare and Medicaid for anyone over the age
of 65. Despite their availability, many elderly adults do not receive these
recommended immunizations. As adults become older and more susceptible to
infections, the vaccines become less effective; therefore, it is
recommended that elderly persons in nursing homes as well as persons who
reside or work in the same environment be immunized. H.B. 1677 would
require certain immunizations for elderly residents of nursing homes. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1677 requires immunization for elderly residents of
nursing homes. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Board of Health in SECTION 1
(Section 161.0051(b) and (c), Health and Safety Code) and to the Texas
Board of Human Services in SECTION 2 (Section 242.037, Health and Safety
Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 161A, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
161.0051, as follows: 

Sec. 161.0051. REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS FOR NURSING HOMES. Provides that this
section only applies to certain nursing homes. Authorizes the Texas Board
of Health (board), by rule, to require nursing homes to offer, in
accordance with an immunization schedule adopted by the board,
immunizations to elderly residents or to staff who are in contact with
elderly residents against disease that the board makes certain
determinations on. Requires the board, by rule, to require nursing homes to
offer in accordance with an immunization schedule adopted by the board
certain vaccines. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 242.037, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Subsection (h), to require the Texas Board of Human Services to adopt each
rule adopted by the board under Section 161.0051 as part of the rules and
standards adopted under this chapter that apply to institutions serving
residents who are elderly persons. 

SECTION 3. Requires the Texas Department of Health to coordinate with the
Texas Department of Human Services to ensure that certain action is taken. 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.