SRC-VRA S.B. 1135 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1135
78R6971 JRD-FBy: Carona
Health & Human Services
3/20/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, kidneys are allocated in Texas in accordance with the United
Network for Organ Sharing guidelines.  However, several shortcomings have
been identified in the current organ allocation system. Patients in Texas
do not have access to every donor organ as a result of the current
geographic boundaries.  Additionally, there are differences in listing
criteria used by the transplant centers to prioritize patients on the
waiting list.  As proposed, S.B. 1135 directs the Texas Department of
Health to assist in facilitating discussion among the three Texas Organ
Procurement Organizations on the establishment of contiguous Organ
Allocation Areas or a suitable alternative geographic configuration for
kidney allocation that addresses organ availability and equalization in
patient waiting times for transplants.   

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.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "department" and "organ procurement
organization." 

SECTION 2.  KIDNEY ALLOCATION SYSTEM; WAIVERS AND VARIANCES TO ALTER
CURRENT SYSTEM.  Requires TDH to offer its services as a mediator and
facilitator to the organ procurement organizations for the purpose of
developing the waivers or variances that will, on approval by the
appropriate authorities, allow the current system of allocating kidneys
available for transplant in this state to be changed as described by this
Act. 

SECTION 3.  ORGAN ALLOCATION AREAS.  Provides that under the changed
allocation system, contiguous organ allocation areas or a suitable
alternative geographic configuration of areas for kidney allocation will
be established to address organ availability and to equalize waiting times
for a transplant. 

SECTION 4.  EXPIRATION.  Provides that this Act expires September 1, 2005.

SECTION 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1,
2003.