1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the prostate cancer education program.
1-3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-4 SECTION 1. Section 91.001, Health and Safety Code, is
1-5 amended to read as follows:
1-6 Sec. 91.001. FINDINGS. The legislature finds that:
1-7 (1) prostate cancer is a major public health problem
1-8 with an estimated 13,000 Texans to be diagnosed each year resulting
1-9 in over 2,200 Texans dying each year;
1-10 (2) African Americans have the highest incidence of
1-11 prostate cancer in the state;
1-12 (3) early detection through annual checkups and
1-13 testing are critical to the preservation of life and to health care
1-14 strategies for those at risk of prostate cancer; and
1-15 (4) [(3)] it is in the public interest of this state
1-16 to promote public awareness of the benefits and value of the early
1-17 detection, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer.
1-18 SECTION 2. Section 91.002, Health and Safety Code, is
1-19 amended to read as follows:
1-20 Sec. 91.002. PROSTATE CANCER STRATEGY. (a) In consultation
1-21 with the board, the commissioner shall develop and implement a
1-22 program that educates the public on the causes of prostate cancer
1-23 and the factors associated with the development of prostate cancer.
1-24 This program must include components designed to reach high-risk
2-1 populations that reflect the nature of and trends in prostate
2-2 cancer morbidity and mortality rates in high-risk groups in this
2-3 state.
2-4 (b) The program shall also publicize the value and methods
2-5 of early detection and prevention and identify the options
2-6 available for treatment.
2-7 SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 1999.
2-8 SECTION 4. The importance of this legislation and the
2-9 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
2-10 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
2-11 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
2-12 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.
_______________________________ _______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2759 was passed by the House on May
11, 1999, by a non-record vote.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2759 was passed by the Senate on May
26, 1999, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0.
_______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor