| TO: | Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB448 by Hopson (Relating to requiring the Department of State Health Services to implement a provider choice system.), As Engrossed |
The bill would repeal Sec 161.0103 of the Health and Safety Code which requires the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to operate an equivalent vaccine program for the Vaccines for Children program as allowed by 42 U.S.C Section 1396s. Sec 161.0103 requires DSHS to buy an equal supply of equivalent vaccines. This section is repealed on September 1, 2010.
The bill would require DSHS to operate a provider choice system for the Vaccines for Children program and the adult safety-net program. The program would allow health care providers to select licensed vaccines that are available from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and that are listed on the programs approved vaccine list.
There is an exception for the purchasing of choice products in the event of a disaster or public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency.
DSHS shall implement the provider choice program no later than August 31, 2010.
It is assumed that the cost to implement the provisions of the bill can be absorbed within existing resources.
| Source Agencies: | 537 State Health Services, Department of
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, CL, BM
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