BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 330
By: Deuell
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Strokes account for a significant number of deaths in Texas. After a stroke, every minute that elapses without treatment significantly reduces the victim's chance for survival. S.B. 330 establishes an program for hospitals receive a designation as a primary stroke facility in order that they may be prepared to treat stroke victims quickly and effectively.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 3 (Section 773.205, Health and Safety Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
[While statutory reference in this bill is to the Texas Department of Health (TDH), the following amendments affect the Department of State Health Services, as the successor agency to TDH.]
SECTION 1. Amends Section 773.001, Health and Safety Code, to authorize this chapter to be cited as the Emergency Health Care Act, rather than the Emergency Medical Services Act.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code, to redefine "department" and define "executive commissioner."
SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subchapter H, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER H. EMERGENCY STROKE SERVICES
Sec. 773.201. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. Sets forth legislative findings and intent relating to stroke survival.
Sec. 773.202. DEFINITIONS. Defines "advisory council," "stroke committee," and "stroke facility."
Sec. 773.203. STROKE COMMITTEE. (a) Requires the advisory council for the Texas Board of Health (advisory Council) to appoint a stroke committee to assist it in the development of a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria.
(b) Sets forth requirements for composition of the stroke committee.
(c) Provides that Chapter 2110 (State Agency Advisory Committees), Government Code, does not apply to the stroke committee.
Sec. 773.204. DUTIES OF STROKE COMMITTEE; DEVELOPMENT OF STROKE EMERGENCY TRANSPORT PLAN AND STROKE FACILITY CRITERIA. (a) Requires the advisory council, with the assistance of the stroke committee and in collaboration with the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, to develop a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria.
(b) Sets forth requirements for inclusion in the stroke emergency transport plan.
(c) Requires the stroke committee, in developing the stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria, to consult the criteria for stroke facilities established by national medical organizations such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
Sec. 773.205. RULES. Authorizes the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (executive commissioner) to adopt rules regarding a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria based on recommendations from the advisory council.
SECTION 4. (a) Requires the advisory council to establish a stroke committee as required by Section 773.203, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2006.
(b) Authorizes the advisory council to develop a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria as required by Section 773.204, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2007.
(c) Requires the advisory council, not later than January 1, 2007, to submit a report of the statewide stroke emergency transport plan to certain state elected officials and the executive commissioner.
(d) Requires the advisory council to include in any report under Subsection (c) of this section information regarding the stroke facility criteria developed by the council.
SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2005.