By: Deshotel, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Nelson) H.B. No. 1379

(In the Senate - Received from the House March 19, 2007; April 2, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services; April 16, 2007, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; April 16, 2007, sent to printer.)

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 1379 By: Nelson

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to human papillomavirus 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 PAPILLOMAVIRUS; VACCINES EDUCATION MATERIALS. (a) The department, using existing resources, shall produce and distribute informational materials regarding vaccines against human papillomavirus 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. The materials must be available in English and in Spanish.

(b) The department shall collaborate with the Texas Cancer Council or its successor entity to develop educational programs for parents regarding human papillomavirus and promoting awareness of a minor's need for preventive services for cervical cancer and its precursors.

(c) The department shall develop and maintain an Internet website that targets the public and health care professionals and provides accurate, comprehensive information on all aspects of cervical cancer prevention, including vaccination against human papillomavirus.

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 PAPILLOMAVIRUS. Course materials and instruction relating to sexually transmitted diseases must be available in English and in Spanish and should include:

(1) the following specific information on human papillomavirus:

(A) that sexual intercourse is not required to become infected with human papillomavirus 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 papillomavirus and symptoms may not be present;

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

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

(2) information regarding the role of human papillomavirus 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 papillomavirus.

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

* * * * *