80R6843 JTS-F

By: Deshotel H.B. No. 1379

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to human papilloma virus education programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 161.0107 to read as follows:

Sec. 161.0107. HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS; VACCINES EDUCATION MATERIALS. The department, using existing resources, shall produce and distribute informational materials regarding vaccines against human papilloma virus that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for human use. The materials must include information relating to the effectiveness, availability, and contraindications of the vaccines.

SECTION 2. Chapter 163, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 163.003 to read as follows:

Sec. 163.003. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS REGARDING HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS. Course materials and instruction relating to sexually transmitted diseases should include:

(1) the following specific information on human papilloma virus:

(A) that sexual intercourse is not required to become infected with human papilloma virus and that the avoidance of skin-to-skin contact involving the genital areas offers the best protection;

(B) that both males and females may be infected with human papilloma virus and symptoms may not be present;

(C) that younger women are at greater risk of human papilloma virus infection than older women; and

(D) that human papilloma virus may be transmitted to an infant during childbirth;

(2) information regarding the role of human papilloma virus in the development of genital warts, cervical cancer, and other diseases; and

(3) information regarding the continuing need for women to undergo pap smear testing, even if they have received a vaccination against human papilloma virus.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.