SRC-CTC S.B. 280 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 280
By: Nelson
Health & Human Services
6/7/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas operates a multi-tiered storage and distribution system
for the federally funded Vaccines for Children program.  The state could
potentially realize operating efficiencies by contracting with private
entities to store and distribute vaccines.  A detailed request for
information (RFI) could effectively survey the private market to determine
if a private entity would have the capacity to effectively accommodate the
storage and delivery of vaccinations for Texas children.  S.B. 280 requires
the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop and release an RFI to
private entities to assess their ability to assume the vaccine storage and
distribution function currently operated by TDH. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  (a) Defines "vaccines for children program."  

(b) Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop a request for
information to determine if private entities could more effectively and
efficiently store and distribute vaccinations used in the vaccines for
children program.   

(c) Requires TDH to develop and distribute the request for information not
later than January 1, 2002.   

(d) Requires TDH, out of funds saved from more efficient and effective
storage and distribution of vaccinations used in the vaccines for children
program, to allow each health care provider participating in the program,
beginning with each such health care provider located in a major
metropolitan area with an immunization rate below the national average, to
take certain actions. Provides that Subsections (b) and (c) of this Act
expire September 1, 2002. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.