SRC-VRA S.B. 1202 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1202
78R5913 JRD-DBy: Lindsay
Health & Human Services
3/20/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

A cause of growing concern to many observers has been the increased use of
emergency rooms for primary care medical services.  With the
implementation of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor
Act and the increasing number of uninsured persons both nationwide and in
Texas, more and more individuals are seeking non-emergency health care
from Texas' trauma and emergency rooms.  In response, many public and
private health care entities have begun implementing nurse triage lines to
help individuals determine what type of medical care they should seek
given their specific symptoms.  As proposed, S.B. 1202 directs the Health
and Human Services Commission to conduct a study on the use and
effectiveness of nurse triage lines in partnership with public and private
health care providers and plans.  

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.  Defines "commission" and "nurse triage line."  

SECTION 2.  STUDY.  Requires the Health and Human Services Commission
(HHSC) to study the use and effectiveness of nurse triage lines.  Requires
HHSC, in conducting the study, to perform certain tasks. 

SECTION 3.  STATEWIDE STRATEGIC PLAN.  Requires HHSC to develop a
statewide strategic plan on how to maximize the effectiveness and
operation of nurse triage lines in this state. Requires the plan to meet
certain requirements.  

SECTION 4.  REPORT.  (a)  Requires HHSC to publish the results and
findings of its study together with the statewide strategic plan developed
as a result of the study in a report that HHSC must issue to the governor,
the presiding officer of each house of the legislature, and the members of
each standing committee of either house of the legislature that has
jurisdiction  over HHSC. 

 (b)  Requires HHSC to issue the report not later than November 1, 2004.

SECTION 5.  EXPIRATION.  Provides that this Act expires June 1, 2005.

SECTION 6.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1,
2003.