SRC-VRA S.B. 516 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 516 78R1019 MCK-DBy: Shapleigh Health & Human Services 3/17/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently Texas participates in the Federal Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) under the Texas Vaccines for Children Program (TVFC). TVFC currently has over 10,000 providers enrolled and continually seeks to enroll new providers. Such programs are critical to prepare a child's body to fight illness and create immunity. As proposed, S.B. 516 directs the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop continuing education programs for physicians related to immunizations and vaccines. The bill also requires TDH to administer an Assessment, Feedback, Incentives, and Exchange evaluation program to assess immunization practices of physicians. 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 Sections 161.0095 and 161.0096, as follows: Sec. 161.0095. PHYSICIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop continuing education programs for physicians relating to immunizations and the vaccines for children program operated by TDH under authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 1396s, as amended. Requires TDH, in developing the continuing education programs and materials, to consult with health care providers. (b) Requires TDH to perform certain functions. Sec. 161.0096. PHYSICIAN EVALUATION. Requires TDH to administer an Assessment, Feedback, Incentives, and Exchange evaluation program (AFIX) to assess immunization practices of physicians, including physicians who provide immunizations to children but who are not enrolled as participating providers in the vaccines for children program operated by TDH under the authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 1396s, as amended. 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 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. SECTION 3. Requires TDH, not later than October 1, 2005, to report to the legislature the results of the educating physicians in your community pilot study operated by the Texas Pediatric Society. Requires the report to include certain information. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2003.