BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                               C.S.S.B. 1211

79R7777 MSE-D                                                                                                               By: Deuell

                                                                                                                  Health & Human Services

                                                                                                                                              4/6/2005

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Infection with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children.  While infection with this organism generally manifests itself in older children and adults as a mild upper respiratory tract infection, it can cause severe and even fatal disease in immunocompromised individuals, those with underlying cardiopulmonary disorders, preterm infants, and other vulnerable groups. 

 

C.S.S.B. 1211 requires active education efforts on the part of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) targeted to parents and providers, to share current information on prevention and treatment and methods of prophylaxis of RSV in high risk individuals.  This bill also mandates that, in the course of providing information on immunizations to parents and providers, DSHS also provide information on RSV, including the prevention of infection with this virus.

 

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, the following amendments affect the Department of State Health Services, as the successor agency to the Texas Department of Health.]

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 161.0106, as follows:

 

Sec. 161.0106.  RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS; IMMUNIZATION.  Requires the Texas Department of Health, as a part of the education programs under Section 161.0095 (Provider Education Programs) and 161.010 (Increase Immunization Awareness), to include information regarding respiratory syncytial virus and the importance of preventative activities for, and immunization of, children at risk of contracting the virus.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.