H.B. No. 2475




AN ACT

relating to a cervical cancer initiative.                                     
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  CERVICAL CANCER INITIATIVE.  (a)  The Department 
of State Health Services shall develop a strategic plan to 
eliminate mortality from cervical cancer by the year 2015.
	(b)  The department shall collaborate with the Texas Cancer 
Council and may convene workgroups as necessary that may include:
		(1)  physicians and nurses specializing in cervical 
cancer screening, treatment, or research;
		(2)  cancer epidemiologists;                                                  
		(3)  representatives of medical schools or schools of 
public health;        
		(4)  high school or college health educators;                                 
		(5)  representatives from geographic areas or other 
population groups at higher risk of cervical cancer;
		(6)  representatives of community-based organizations 
involved in providing education, awareness, or support relating to 
cervical cancer; or
		(7)  other representatives the department determines 
are necessary.         
	(c)  In developing the plan, the Department of State Health 
Services shall:  
		(1)  identify barriers to effective screening and 
treatment for cervical cancer, including specific barriers 
affecting providers and patients;
		(2)  identify methods to increase the number of women 
screened regularly for cervical cancer;
		(3)  review current technologies and best practices for 
cervical cancer screening;
		(4)  review technology available to diagnose and 
prevent infection by Human Papilloma Virus;
		(5)  develop methods to create partnerships with public 
and private entities to increase awareness of cervical cancer and 
the importance of regular screening;
		(6)  review current screening, treatment, and related 
activities in this state and identify gaps in service;
		(7)  identify actions to be taken to reduce the 
morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer by the year 2015 and a 
time line for taking those actions; and
		(8)  make recommendations to the legislature on policy 
changes and funding needed to achieve the strategic plan.
	(d)  Not later than December 31, 2006, the Department of 
State Health Services shall deliver the strategic plan to the 
governor and members of the legislature.
	(e)  This section expires January 1, 2007.                                     
	SECTION 2.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect September 
1, 2005.        




______________________________              ______________________________
 
   President of the Senate                               Speaker of the House      

	I certify that H.B. No. 2475 was passed by the House on April 
21, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House   

	I certify that H.B. No. 2475 was passed by the Senate on May 
12, 2005, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Secretary of the Senate    



APPROVED:  _____________________                                            
 
                   Date                                                      




 
          _____________________                                          
 
                 Governor