80R6351 TAD-D
 
  By: Shapleigh S.B. No. 861
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of employee wellness programs by state
agencies.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  Chapter 664, Government Code, is amended by
adding Section 664.007 to read as follows:
       Sec. 664.007.  EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM.  (a)  Each state
agency shall designate an individual as the wellness coordinator
for the agency.  The wellness coordinator may collaborate with
other agencies and sources to provide information and resources to
employees through bulletin boards and e-mail.  The employee
wellness program is a comprehensive program that includes the
components necessary to reduce direct and indirect costs associated
with preventable disease and may include:
             (1)  an agency wellness center staffed by a nurse
practitioner who provides employees with services such as blood
pressure monitoring and annual health assessments;
             (2)  ergonomic office equipment;
             (3)  nutrition education;
             (4)  smoking cessation programs; and
             (5)  contracts with fitness centers for reduced
membership fees for state employees.
       (b)  A state agency with fewer than 100 employees may join
with a state agency with 100 employees or more to create a program
under this section and to share resources under the program.
       (c)  A state agency may consult with the Department of State
Health Services on wellness issues.
       SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.