MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Thursday, February 6, 2003 10:00 a.m. or upon adjournment Capitol Extension, Room E1.016 ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services was held on Thursday, February 6, 2003, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, at Austin, Texas. ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator Jane Nelson None Senator Kyle Janek Senator John Carona Senator Bob Deuell Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr. Senator Jon Lindsay Senator Bill Ratliff Senator Royce West Senator Judith Zaffirini ***** The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m and the following business was transacted: The Chair gave opening remarks and welcomed members of the Committee. The Chair called for the roll call. A quorum was established at 11:01 a.m. The Chair introduced the committee staff and then asked for committee members to introduce their staff. The Chair laid out the proposed Committee rules and asked for discussion. There being none, Senator Zaffirini moved that the rules be adopted. The motion carried with a vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 present not voting. The Chair announced that the Committee will meet on Tuesdays upon adjournment of the Senate and at 9 a.m. on Thursdays when the work load increases. The Chair asked the Committee members if anyone had opening remarks. The Chair recognized Senator Gallegos. Senator Gallegos introduced his staff member to the Committee. There being no further comments from the Committee members, the Chair called Commissioners Albert Hawkins, Commissioner, Health and Human Services Commission; Eduardo Sanchez, Commissioner, Texas Department of Health; and Jim Hine, Commissioner, Texas Department of Health, to come forward to testify. Commissioner Hawkins introduced himself, stated who he represents for the record and provided written and oral testimony. Commissioner Sanchez introduced himself, stated who he represents for the record and provided written and oral testimony. Commissioner Hine introduced himself, stated who he represents for the record and provided written and oral testimony. The Chair made additional comments and recognized Senator Deuell. Senator Deuell provided comments. The Chair made closing remarks. There being no further business, at 11:55 a.m. the Chair announced that the Committee would stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered. ______________________ Senator Jane Nelson, Chair ______________________ Cheri Huddleston, Clerk