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.