H.B. 861 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 861
By: McReynolds
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Emergency Care Attendants (ECA) in the state of Texas are the first level
of emergency medical care.   They are only allowed to deliver non-invasive
emergency medical services such as reading blood pressure, checking pulse
rates, dispersing oxygen, applying pressure bandages, repositioning
victims, and transporting victims to medical care facilities.  Under
current law, an individual may become an Emergency Care Attendant by
receiving certification through the Texas Department of Health.  In order
to get this certificate, TDH requires a person to be at least 18 years of
age, successfully complete approved courses, pass a written test, and pay
all applicable fees.  TDH also requires that an ECA should have either a
GED or a high school diploma.  Currently,  TDH has the authority to
provide a waiver on the above-mentioned department requirements.  However,
many in the community are not aware of this waiver process and it prevents
the delivery of health care services.  H.B.  861 allows individuals who
serve as volunteers to be exempt from the  high school diploma or degree
requirement.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly
granted to the Texas Board of Health in SECTION 1 (Section 773.046, Health
and Safety Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

Amends Section 773.046 of the Health and Safety Code by removing the high
school diploma or equivalent requirement for becoming an ECA volunteer
during the certification period.  It requires the Texas Board of Health to
adopt rules necessary to administer this section.       

The Texas Board of Health is required to adopt the rules necessary no
later than January 1, 2004.   

The Act applies only to an individual who files an application for
certification as an emergency care attendant volunteer on or after January
1, 2004. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.