By Maxey                                               H.B. No. 767
         77R4235 DLF-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to training concerning HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually
 1-3     transmitted diseases for licensed chemical dependency counselors.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 504, Occupations Code, is
 1-6     amended by adding Section 504.206 to read as follows:
 1-7           Sec. 504.206.  CONTINUING EDUCATION RELATING TO HIV,
 1-8     HEPATITIS C, AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES. (a)  The continuing
 1-9     education required under Section 504.205 must include six hours of
1-10     training during each two-year licensing period relating to HIV,
1-11     hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted diseases.
1-12           (b)  The commission shall recognize, prepare, or administer a
1-13     training component that satisfies the requirement of Subsection (a)
1-14     for use in continuing education for chemical dependency counselors.
1-15           (c)  The training component must address HIV, hepatitis C,
1-16     and sexually transmitted diseases in the context of chemical
1-17     dependency counseling and must provide information relating to the
1-18     special needs of persons with positive test results, including the
1-19     importance of prevention, early intervention, and treatment and
1-20     recognition of psychosocial needs. The training component must
1-21     prepare a chemical dependency counselor to provide appropriate
1-22     information to educate clients about HIV, hepatitis C, and sexually
1-23     transmitted diseases.
1-24           (d)  In developing the training component, the commission
 2-1     shall consult with the Texas Department of Health and may, to the
 2-2     extent appropriate, consider the training course relating to
 2-3     hepatitis C developed by the department under Section 93.003,
 2-4     Health and Safety Code, as added by Chapter 823, Acts of the 76th
 2-5     Legislature, Regular Session, 1999.
 2-6           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
 2-7     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
 2-8     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
 2-9     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
2-10     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.