BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1850
81R8166 ALB-D By: Lucio III et al. (Lucio)
International Relations & Trade
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Under the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Rio Grande State Center/ South Texas Health Care System (RGSC/STHCS) is the only public provider south of San Antonio, Texas, that offers healthcare, inpatient mental health services, and long-term mental retardation services. This unique configuration of services has been provided to the Rio Grande Valley since 1956. In 2004, the South Texas Hospital was merged into the Rio Grande State Center.
Since the name change many people have been confused with the name being used interchangeably leading many to believe that there are two different facilities.
Another source of confusion is the similarity of the name to the "South Texas Health System," a private hospital with facilities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
The shortening of the center's name recognizes the historical leadership of the Rio Grande State Center and would also bring great pride to the men and women who have devoted their careers to the service of their patients.
H.B. 1850 changes the name of the of the Rio Grande State Center/South Texas Health Care System to the "Rio Grande State Center."
[Note: While the statutory reference in this bill is to the Texas Department of Health (TDH), the following amendments affect the Department of State Health Services, as the successor agency to TDH.]
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 11.004(a), Health and Safety Code, to provide that the Texas Department of Health is composed of the board, the commissioner, an administrative staff, the Texas Center for Infectious Disease, the Rio Grande State Center, rather than the South Texas Health Care System, and other officers and employees necessary to perform efficiently its powers and duties.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 13.003, Health and Safety Code, as follows:
Sec. 13.003. New heading: SERVICES AT RIO GRANDE STATE CENTER. (a) Makes a conforming change.
(b) Makes a conforming change.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 13.033(5), Health and Safety Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 4. (a) Provides that a reference in law to the South Texas Health Care System means the Rio Grande State Center.
(b) Provides that an appropriation to the Department of State Health Services for the use and benefit of the South Texas Health Care System is available for the use and benefit of the Rio Grande State Center.
SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.