SRC-MLC, TJG S.B. 43 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 43
78R1428 MCK-DBy: Zaffirini
Health and Human Services
2/13/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Pediatric Society, in partnership with Baylor College of
Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital of Houston, has received a grant
funded by both the Texas Department of Health (TDH) and the federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to pilot a Houston-based
physician-tophysician immunization education program known as Educating
Physicians In your Community (EPIC). EPIC's mission is to improve the
health of children through community-based medical education.  EPIC aims
to provide quality, practical education to all members of a provider's
office, including medical, nursing, and support staff.  EPIC's functions
include the education and evaluation of 100 pediatric and family medicine
practices as well as an assessment of the program in the form of a final
report.   

As proposed, S.B. 43 would require the Texas Department of Health to
provide a final report on EPIC and, if the pilot program is successful, to
make recommendations for its expansion, cost-effectiveness, and future
funding.   

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.  Requires the Texas Department of Health to report to the
legislature the results of the educating physicians in your community
pilot program operated by the Texas Pediatric Society, no later than
October 1, 2005.  Requires the report to include certain items. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.