HBA-MPM S.B. 338 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 338 By: Madla Public Health 4/24/2001 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted during 1988 through1994, estimated that almost four million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, approximately 360,000 of whom live in Texas. Legislation enacted by the 76th Legislature directed the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to conduct studies, develop educational programs and training materials, and establish testing sites for hepatitis C. However, a more comprehensive approach is needed to address this public health issue in the long term. Over the next 10 to 20 years, hepatitis C is predicted to become a major burden on the health care system as patients who are currently asymptomatic develop serious symptoms. Senate Bill 338 requires TDH to develop a state plan for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS Senate Bill 338 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop a state plan for prevention and treatment of hepatitis C that includes strategies for prevention and treatment in specific demographic groups that are disproportionately affected by the disease. In developing the plan, TDH is required to seek the input of the public including those with hepatitis C, each state agency that provides services to persons with hepatitis C or the functions of which otherwise involve hepatitis C, any advisory body that addresses issues related to hepatitis C, public advocates concerned with issues related to hepatitis C, and providers of services to persons with hepatitis C. TDH is required to update the plan biennially and to file the plan no later than October 1 of each even-numbered year with the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.