BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3597

By: Parker

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain.  Hydrocephalus may occur at any age and affects an estimated one million Americans.  More than 375,000 older Americans suffer from the condition, and 2 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with it. Hydrocephalus is the leading cause of brain surgery in children.    

H.B. 3597 designates October as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month to increase public awareness about hydrocephalus.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3597 amends the Government Code to designate October as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month to increase public awareness of hydrocephalus and encourage the development of partnerships between the federal government, health care professionals, and patient advocacy groups to advance the public's understanding of the condition, improve the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, and support research for a cure. The bill requires regular observance of Hydrocephalus Awareness Month through appropriate activities in public schools and other places to increase awareness of hydrocephalus.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.