BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                              C.S.H.B. 3184

80R21620 E                                                                                                     By: Coleman (Deuell)

Health & Human Services

5/18/2007

Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Influenza is a highly infectious acute viral respiratory disease that causes moderate to severe illness in persons of all ages every year.  The most common, major complication of influenza is pneumonia.  The very young and the elderly have similar high rates of hospitalization for influenza and its sequellae.  Infants and preschool-aged children are considered to be among the most efficient incubators and transmitters of this disease. These infected children may also transmit their disease to other highly susceptible healthy individuals or to high-risk persons with certain medical conditions.  In February 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded earlier influenza recommendations to include annual routine vaccinations for all children aged six months to 59 months.  Annual vaccinations are necessary, because circulating strains of the influenza virus vary from one flu season to the next.

C.S.H.B. 3184 improves education efforts by requiring the Department of State Health Services to publish information for parents on its website about the benefits of annual influenza immunizations and to work with the Department of Family and Protective Services and licensed daycare facilities to ensure the information is distributed to parents in a timely manner.  This bill also requires a study to be conducted to determine the feasibility of implementing a system that gives priority for health care providers in the distribution of influenza vaccine. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 161.0101, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsection (c) to require the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to work to increase immunization awareness and participation among parents of children in child-care facilities, as defined by Section 42.002 (Definitions), Human Resources Code, in the state's early childhood vaccination program by publishing on the DSHS website information about the benefits of annual immunization against influenza for children aged six months to five years.  Requires DSHS to work with the Department of Family and Protective Services and with child-care facilities to ensure that the information is annually distributed to parents in August or September.

SECTION 2.  Amends Subchapter E, Chapter 431, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 431.117, as follows:

Sec. 431.117.  PRIORITY FOR HEATH CARE PROVIDERS IN DISTRIBUTION OF INFLUENZA VACCINE.  Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (executive commissioner) to study the wholesale distribution of influenza vaccine in this state to determine the feasibility of implementing a system that requires giving a priority in filling orders for influenza vaccine to physicians and other licensed health care providers authorized to administer influenza vaccine over retail establishments.  Authorizes the executive commissioner to implement such a system if it is determined to be feasible.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.