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By: Madla, Zaffirini S.B. No. 691
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation and functions of an arthritis control and
prevention program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle D, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 96 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 96. ARTHRITIS CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Sec. 96.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Arthritis" means a rheumatic disease consisting
of the chronic inflammation of joints, muscles, or connective
tissue.
(2) "Program" means the arthritis control and
prevention program.
Sec. 96.002. ARTHRITIS CONTROL AND PREVENTION PROGRAM. To
the extent that money has been appropriated or is otherwise
available, the department shall develop and implement an arthritis
control and prevention program to:
(1) heighten awareness and enhance knowledge and
understanding of arthritis among consumers, health professionals,
teachers, and human services providers; and
(2) work to increase and improve community-based
services available to persons with arthritis and their families.
Sec. 96.003. NEEDS ASSESSMENT. As part of the program, the
department shall work with public and private organizations to
assess the current status of arthritis, considering information
such as:
(1) mortality and morbidity;
(2) public and professional awareness; and
(3) educational needs for and support services
available to people with arthritis.
Sec. 96.004. PUBLIC AWARENESS. (a) The department through
the program shall work with public and private organizations to
raise public awareness of:
(1) the causes and nature of arthritis;
(2) personal risk factors;
(3) the value of prevention and early detection;
(4) ways to minimize preventable pain; and
(5) options for diagnosing and treating arthritis.
(b) The department may use strategies, including strategies
consistent with the National Arthritis Action Plan and other state
arthritis planning efforts to heighten public awareness under
Subsection (a).
Sec. 96.005. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. In implementing the
program, the department may:
(1) identify, replicate, and use successful
evidence-based arthritis programs; and
(2) obtain relevant materials and services from
organizations with appropriate expertise and knowledge of
arthritis.
Sec. 96.006. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. (a) The
department may enter into contracts or agreements as necessary to
carry out this chapter. The contracts or agreements may provide for
payment by the state for materials, equipment, and services.
(b) The department may seek, receive, and spend any money
received through appropriations, grants, donations, or
contributions from public or private sources to develop and
implement the program.
(c) The department shall provide and train staff to
implement the program.
Sec. 96.007. ARTHRITIS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) The
department shall establish and coordinate the Arthritis Advisory
Committee. The committee consists of members appointed by the
commissioner, including:
(1) persons with arthritis;
(2) public health educators or other persons
knowledgeable in health education;
(3) medical experts on arthritis;
(4) providers of arthritis health care; and
(5) representatives of national arthritis
organizations and their local chapters.
(b) The committee shall advise the department on developing
and implementing the program.
(c) A member of the committee receives no additional
compensation for serving on the committee and may not be reimbursed
for travel or other expenses incurred while conducting the business
of the committee.
(d) The committee is not subject to Chapter 2110, Government
Code.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.