78R1420 MCK-D

By:  Capelo                                                       H.B. No. 1920



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 Section 161.0095 to read as follows:
	Sec. 161.0095.  INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS AND PHYSICIAN 
EDUCATION PROGRAMS.  (a)  The department shall develop 
informational materials and 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.  The educational materials shall address 
the administrative requirements of the vaccines for children 
program, including requirements for vaccine storage, paperwork, 
and physician evaluation.
	(b)  The department shall establish a work group to assist 
the department in developing the continuing education programs and 
materials.  The work group shall include physicians, nurses, 
department representatives, and members of the public.
	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 allow providers to use the 
immunization registry established under Section 161.007, Health 
and Safety Code, to report vaccines administered under the vaccines 
for children program.
	(d)  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 and 
a reasonable profit for the provider.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.