SRC-JEC, TJG S.B. 610 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 610
By: Nelson
Health & Human Services
6/24/2003
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, many rural areas in Texas are facing health provider shortages
while urban areas face increasing burdens on their emergency rooms.
President Bush has included $114 million in his proposed budget to
increase the number of community health centers.  S.B. 610 authorizes the
Texas Department of Health to provide certain types of grants to establish
or expand existing facilities that can qualify as federally qualified
health centers. 

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 31, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
31.017, as follows: 

Sec. 31.017.  FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS.  (a) Authorizes the
Texas Department of Health to make grants to establish new or expand
existing facilities that can qualify as federally qualified health
centers, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(1)(2)(B), in this state,
including certain types of grants. 

(b) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2009.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.