H.B. 2692 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2692
By: Guillen
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Diabetes rates continue to climb in our society and the onset of diabetes
takes place earlier in the lives of many citizens. Medical research shows
that this is partly due to diet and lifestyle choices which exacerbate the
onset of diabetes. Many other problems, based on diet and lifestyle
choices, have been helped through peer support groups. Recent research
suggests that this approach would be effective with people at risk of
developing diabetes and could help reduce the severity of the disease in
those already diagnosed with diabetes. 

HB 2692 would require the state to develop a pilot program that would
promote the creation of diabetes support groups to enable persons to share
information and exchange ideas and strategies regarding disease management
techniques. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

HB 2692  requires the Texas Diabetes Council, in consultation with the
Texas Department of Health, to  develop a pilot program to promote and
facilitate the operation of diabetes groups to enable persons  with
diabetes to exchange information and strategies to manage the disease and
to obtain relevant information and education.  The bill goes on to state
that the council may not provide any direct financial support to fund a
diabetes group, but may provide meeting space in a state-owned building,
if available. The bill further states that TDH is required to cooperate
with the council in order to provide meeting space. 

The pilot program would be conducted by  the Texas Diabetes Council in two
counties that are located on the border of Texas and Mexico that have a
high proportion of low-income households. The council is required to
submit a report summarizing the results of the pilot program to the
governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house or
representatives no later than December 1, 2004.  The bill provides that
this section expires September 2, 2005. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.