SRC-ARR S.B. 602 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 602
By: Moncrief
Health Services
8/5/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

The last Sunset Advisory Commission report on the Texas Department of
Health (TDH) concluded that it has not maximized input from stakeholders
and other experts during the development and evaluation of rules. TDH did
not involve pediatricians or the Interagency Council for Genetic Services
during the development of a change to newborn screening rules adopted in
February 1998. S.B. 602 sets forth the guidelines for  the membership of
the Texas Board of Health and the membership and powers of the Interagency
Council for Genetic Services. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 602 sets forth the membership  and powers of the
Interagency Council for Genetic Services. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Interagency Council for Genetic
Services in SECTION 3 (Section 134.002(a), Chapter 134, Human Resource
Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Sections 134.001(b) and (c), Human Resources Code, to
provide that the Interagency Council for Genetic Services (council)
consists of a representative of the Texas Department of Insurance, rather
than Human Services, appointed by the commissioner of insurance, rather
than human services. Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 134, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
134.002, as follows: 

Sec. 134.002. RULES. Requires a state agency that is a member of the
council to work in coordination with the council when initiating,
considering, or proposing a rule relating to human genetics or human
genetic services. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 134.003(b), Human Resources Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 134.004, Human Resources Code, to set forth
requirements for the council, including surveying current resources for
human genetic services, and working in coordination with the state agencies
named in Sections 134.001(b)(1), (2), and (3) when the agency initiates,
considers, or proposes a rule relating to human genetics or human genetic
services.Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 5. Amends Section 134.005(b), Human Resources Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 6. Amends Section 134.006, Human Resources Code, to require the
council to annually submit a progress report to the boards of the Texas
Department of Health and to the commissioner of the Texas Department of
Insurance. 

SECTION 7. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 8. Emergency clause.