By:  Kuempel                                                      H.B. No. 2651


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the cancer registry. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 82.005, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The cancer registry must be a central data bank of accurate, precise, and current information that medical authorities agree serves as an invaluable tool in the early recognition, prevention, cure, and control of cancer. (b) The cancer registry must be a nationally certified registry that meets the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries' "gold standard". This standard is recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will enable the state to qualify for additional federal funds. A nationally certitied registry that meets the gold standard will also enable research institutions within Texas to qualify for additional federal research funds that require a certified registry. (c) [(b)] The cancer registry must include: (1) a record of the cases of cancer that occur in the state; and (2) information concerning cancer cases as the board considers necessary and appropriate for the recognition, prevention, cure, or control of cancer. SECTION 2. Section 82.007, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) The department shall publish an annual report to the legislature of the information obtained under this chapter. (b) The department, in cooperation with other cancer reporting organizations and research institutions, may publish reports the department determines are necessary or desirable to carry out the purpose of this chapter. (c) The department shall report to the Legislature when the registry is nationally certified to meet the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries' "gold standard". SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.