78R1019 MCK-D

By:  Coleman                                                      H.B. No. 1028



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain immunization programs.                                    
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety 
Code, is amended by adding Sections 161.0095 and 161.0096 to read as 
follows:
	Sec. 161.0095.  PHYSICIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a)  The 
department shall develop continuing education programs for 
physicians relating to immunizations and the vaccines for children 
program operated by the department under authority of 42 U.S.C. 
Section 1396s, as amended.  In developing the continuing education 
programs and materials, the department shall consult with health 
care providers.
	(b)  The department shall:                                              
		(1)  offer education programs at health care provider 
annual meetings; and
		(2)  use Texas Health Steps workers to assist the 
department in providing the education programs.
	Sec. 161.0096.  PHYSICIAN EVALUATION.  The department shall 
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 the department under the 
authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 1396s, as amended.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Section 531.063 to read as follows:
	Sec. 531.063.  VACCINES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM PROVIDER 
ENROLLMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT. (a)  In this section, "vaccines for 
children program" means the program operated by the Texas 
Department of Health under authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 1396s, as 
amended.
	(b)  The commission shall ensure that a provider can enroll 
in the vaccines for children program on the same form the provider 
completes to apply as:
		(1)  a Medicaid health care provider; and                              
		(2)  a children's health insurance program health care 
provider.     
	(c)  The commission shall 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.  Not later than October 1, 2005, the Texas 
Department of Health shall report to the legislature the results of  
the educating physicians in your community pilot study operated by 
the Texas Pediatric Society.  The report shall include:
		(1)  an analysis of the program's effect on 
immunization rates;             
		(2)  a statement regarding the cost-effectiveness of 
the program;           
		(3)  recommendations for expanding the program; and                           
		(4)  a list of possible sources to fund the program.                          
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.