SRC-CTC S.B. 1065 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1065
77R8708 JAT-DBy: Lucio
Health & Human Services
3/13/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Since 1956, the services provided at South Texas Hospital, located in
Harlingen, have increased to such an extent that the hospital is now a
major provider of sub-acute indigent care in its region.  In 1999, the 76th
Legislature passed H.B. 3504 and S.B. 1615 to contract for outpatient
services, construct new facilities, and authorize county and hospital
districts to pool resources through the creation of a health services
district.  As proposed, S.B. 1065 changes the name of South Texas Hospital
to the South Texas Health Care System in order to reflect the new framework
created by past legislation, continued development, and the potential for
future growth. 

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 Section 11.004(a), Health and Safety Code, to provide
that the Texas Department of Health (department) is composed of various
entities, including the South Texas Health Care System, rather than the
South Texas Hospital. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 13.003, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

Sec. 13.003.  New heading: SERVICES AT SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 13.033(5), Health and Safety Code, to redefine
"state chest hospital" to make a conforming change. 

SECTION 4.  Repealer: Section 13.007 (Medical Services Trust Fund), Health
and Safety Code; Section 13.008 (Use of Medical Services Trust Fund),
Health and Safety Code; and Chapter 13C (Respiratory Disease Pilot
Program), Health and Safety Code. 

SECTION 5.  (a) Provides that a reference in law to the South Texas
Hospital means the South Texas Health Care System. 

(b) Provides that an appropriation to the Texas Department of Health for
the use and benefit of the South Texas Hospital is available for the use
and benefit of the South Texas Health Care System. 

SECTION 6.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.