SRC-MKV S.B. 1051 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1051
77R8706 JRD-DBy: Shapleigh
Health & Human Services
3/26/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Promotoras, or bilingual health liaisons, play a key role in minimizing
many of the health and social service barriers encountered by individuals
living in economically distressed areas of the state.  Although the Texas
Department of Health currently operates a promotora training and
certification program, participation is on a voluntary basis.  As proposed,
S.B. 1051 requires promotoras who receive compensation for their services
to undergo training and certification by the Texas Department of Health.  

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.  Amends Chapter 46, Health and Safety Code, as added by Section
2.01, Chapter 857, Acts of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999, as
follows: 

 Renumbers Chapter 46 to Chapter 48.

 Sec. 48.001.  New heading:  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "compensation" and
"promotora."   

Sec. 48.002.  PROMOTORA TRAINING PROGRAM.  Adds language to require the
Texas Department of Health, in establishing the training program, to the
extent possible, to consider the report and any findings of and adopt any
applicable recommendations of the Promotora Program Development Committee.
Adds language to provide that participation in a training and education
program established under this section is voluntary for a promotora who
provides services without receiving any compensation and mandatory for a
promotora who provides services for compensation. 

Sec. 48.003. CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR PROMOTORAS.  Makes conforming
changes. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.