SRC-JXG S.B. 982 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 982 76R8778 TBy: Madla Health Services 4/9/1999 As Filed DIGEST In 1997, the Legislature passed S.B. 163 to require health plans to provide certain benefits to persons suffering from diabetes, including diabetes equipment, supplies, and self-management training. The Texas Diabetes Council estimates that there are 1.6 million Texans suffering from diabetes; 920,000 diagnosed and 680,000 not diagnosed. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in Texas, claiming 12,299 individuals, according to the Bureau of Vital Statistics reports. S.B. 982 would authorize dieticians to provide nutritional diabetes counseling and related diabetes information, and to be reimbursed for that service. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 982 clarifies authorization of certain persons allowed to receive reimbursement for diabetes self-management training. 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 4, Article 21.53G, Insurance Code, to require diabetes selfmanagement training under this article to be provided by a health care practitioner or provider who is licensed, registered, certified in this state to provide appropriate health care services acting with the scope of practice authorized by the practitioner's or provider's license, registration or certification. Requires a health benefit plan to provide diabetes self-management training or coverage for diabetes self-management training for which a physician or practitioner has written an order to each insured from a certain diabetes self-management training program, including a multidisciplinary team to assist in the coordination of certain persons. Defines "nutritional counseling." Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.