BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 2423

81R7306 JSC-F                                                                                                                 By: Deuell

                                                                                                                  Health & Human Services

                                                                                                                                            4/15/2009

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

This legislation seeks to protect the information of patients and providers during prescription processing in certain discount health care programs.  Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure the application of existing regulations relating to discount health care programs (program) and discount health care program operators (operator) to those entities that do not charge fees or other considerations for their programs, but do receive alternate consideration in the form of access to patient information.

 

As proposed,  S.B. 2423 redefines "discount health care program" and "discount health care program operator" to include a program or operator who has access to patient information.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Sections 76.001(3) and (4), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "discount health care program" and "discount health care program operator."

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2009.