C.S.H.B. 2721 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 2721
By: Gutierrez
Public Health
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Acanthosis nigricans is a disorder that causes light brown to black,
velvety, rough areas or increased skin markings usually on the back and
sides of the neck. Acanthosis nigricans is an indicator of insulin
resistance.  Insulin resistance is a primary factor in the development of
type 2 diabetes. Current law requires school children to be screened for
vision and hearing disorders, and screening for acanthosis nigricans was
included as a precautionary screening procedure during the 77th
Legislature.  

The Health and Safety Code now requires the Texas-Mexico Border Health
Coordination Office of The University of Texas-Pan American to administer
an acanthosis nigricans screening program and requires the executive
council advising the office, by rule, to coordinate screening of
individuals who attend public or private schools located in Texas
Education Agency Regional Education Service Centers 1, 2, 3, 13, 15, 18,
19, and 20, including procedures necessary to administer screening
activities. The law requires the office to require acanthosis nigricans
screening to be performed at the same time hearing and vision screening is
performed under the Special Senses and Communication Disorders Act or
spinal screening is performed to detect abnormal spinal curvature in
children. 

This bill would expand the acanthosis nigricans screening program in
public and private schools located in Texas Education Agency Regional
Educational Service Centers 4, 10, and 11. 

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

C.S.H.B. 2721 requires the executive council advising the Texas-Mexico
Border Health Coordination Office to expand their current acanthosis
nigricans screening to include TEA Regional Educational Service Centers 4,
10, and 11.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The original bill was not a Texas Legislative Council Draft.  No
substantive changes were made in the substitute.