BILL ANALYSIS
By: Delisi
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Texas has the second highest cervical cancer incidence in the United States. Behind breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, and is also one of the most preventable types of cancer due to early detection techniques. Improved public education about cervical cancer is an important component to the success of beating it. The utilization of new screenings and technologies also plays an important part in eliminating mortality from cervical cancer. This bill proposes that the state of Texas develop a strategic plan to eliminate mortality from cervical cancer by the year 2015.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
This bill requires the Department of State Health Services to develop a strategic plan to eliminate mortality from cervical cancer by the year 2015. The department is required to work with the Texas Cancer Council and is authorized to convene workgroups that may include physicians, nurses, cancer epidemiologists, representatives of medical schools, health educators, representatives from areas or groups at higher risk, representatives from community-based organizations, or anyone else deemed necessary. When developing the plan, the department is required to identify barriers to screening and treatment, identify methods to increase screenings, review current technologies, develop partnerships, identify gaps in service, identify actions to reduce morbidity and mortality, and make recommendations to the legislature on policy and funding changes. The strategic plan must be developed and delivered to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2006. This section expires January 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.