BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2584

By: Naishtat

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Legislative Committee on Aging has recognized a need to better define Alzheimer's and related disorders as they relate to the programs and regulatory functions of nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.  H.B. 2584 seeks to address this need.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTIONS 1 and 2 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2584 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission by rule to adopt a definition of "Alzheimer's disease and related disorders" and to authorize the executive commissioner to adopt by reference a definition published in a generally accepted clinical resource for medical professionals. The bill requires the executive commissioner to modify the definition as necessary to conform to changes in medical practice.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.