BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1069

79R1729 MCK-D                                                                                                              By: Madla

Health & Human Services

4/7/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, data submitted to the Department of State Health Services regarding health status and access to care is not reported in a manner that identifies geographical differences.  Distinguishing the differences in data could better help identify health care needs.

As proposed, S.B. 1069 amends the Health and Safety Code to require DSHS to evaluate and update health data reporting mechanisms in a manner than distinguishes between geographic regions.  This will enable those using the data to distinguish, for example, rural health dynamics from urban health dynamics.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

[While the 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 Chapter 108, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 108.0095, as follows:

Sec. 108.0095.  SORTING COLLECTED DATA.  Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to compile the health outcome data collected under this chapter and organize the results according to certain specific geographic areas.

(b)  Requires TDH to release health outcome data in accordance with the way it is compiled under this section.

SECTION 2.  Requires the Department of State Health Services to consult with a group of certain affected persons and entities to define rural and urban areas for the purpose of Section 108.0095, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.