SRC-AMY, VRA S.B. 38 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 38
78R1420 MCK-DBy: Zaffirini
Health and Human Services
4/8/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The quality assurance process used to assess immunization provider
practices, assessment of immunization records, feedback on findings to the
provider with incentives, and exchange of results and ideas for improving
the practice (AFIX), is not currently applied to the vaccines for children
program.  This process is facilitated by a software program, Clinic
Assessment Software Application (CASA), developed by the Centers for
Disease Control.  Feedback and incentives move toward the ultimate goal of
increasing immunization rates, and reaching providers who are considered
unlikely to join the vaccines for children program.  As proposed, S.B. 38
requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop informational
materials and coordinate education programs for physicians related to the
vaccines for children program.  This bill also requires the Health and
Human Services Commission to allow providers to sign up for the vaccines
for children program on the same form the provider uses to apply as a
Medicaid provider.  This bill also addresses reimbursement rates and
allows providers to use the immunization registry for reporting purposes. 

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 Chapter 161A, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
161.0095  as follows: 

Sec.  161.0095.  INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS AND PHYSICIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a)  Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop
informational materials and continuing education programs for physicians
relating to immunizations and the vaccines program operated by TDH under
authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 1396s, as amended.  Requires the
educational materials to address the administrative requirements of the
vaccines for children program, including requirements for vaccine storage,
paperwork, and physician evaluation. 

(b)  Requires TDH to establish a work group to assist in developing the
continuing education programs and materials.  Requires the work group to
include physicians, nurses, department representatives, and members of the
public. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 531B, Government Code, by adding Section
531.063  as follows: 

Sec.  531.063.  VACCINES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM PROVIDER ENROLLMENT AND
REIMBURSEMENT.  (a)  Defines "vaccines for children program."   

(b)  Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to ensure
that a provider can enroll in the vaccines for children program on the
same form the provider completes to apply as a Medicaid health care
provider and a children's health insurance program health care provider. 

(c)  Requires HHSC to allow providers to use the immunization registry
established  under Section 161.007, Health and Safety Code, to report
vaccines administered under the vaccines for children program. 

(d)  Requires HHSC to reimburse providers under Medicaid and the
children's health insurance program for vaccines administered under the
vaccines for children program at a rate that covers the cost of
administering the vaccines under the program and a reasonable profit for
the provider. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.