80R10090 YDB-D

By: Laubenberg H.B. No. 3154

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the creation of a review committee to study the potential for a regional health care system in certain counties.

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

SECTION 1. REGIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS REVIEW COMMITTEE. (a) In this Act, "region" means the area formed by the counties in public health region three of this state as established by the Department of State Health Services.

(b) The regional health care systems review committee is created to conduct public hearings regarding, and to study the implications of, implementing regional health care service in the region.

(c) The committee consists of:

(1) each member of the legislature who represents a district that contains territory in the region;

(2) each county commissioner of a county located in the region;

(3) each county judge in the region; and

(4) the executive director of each public hospital in the region.

(d) In conducting hearings and studies, the committee shall:

(1) examine whether a regional system of health care should be offered throughout the region;

(2) examine whether there should be a mechanism for additional counties to participate in the regional health care system; and

(3) perform a review of funding and financing options.

(e) The initial meeting of the committee must take place before September 30, 2007. At the initial meeting the committee shall:

(1) adopt rules governing the committee; and

(2) establish a work plan and schedule for future meetings.

(f) The committee may accept gifts, grants, technical support, or any other resources from any source to carry out the functions of the committee.

(g) Not later than September 1, 2008, the committee shall issue a report summarizing:

(1) hearings conducted by the committee;

(2) studies conducted by the committee;

(3) any legislation proposed by the committee; and

(4) any other findings or recommendations of the committee.

(h) Not later than December 1, 2008, the committee shall submit a copy of the summary report to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives.

(i) This Act expires September 1, 2009.

SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.