By: Zerwas H.B. No. 2752

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a chronic respiratory disease state strategic plan developed by the Department of State Health Services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) The Department of State Health Services shall develop a strategic plan to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

(b) In developing the strategic plan, the Department of State Health Services shall collaborate with the Health and Human Services Commission and may convene any necessary workgroups. The members of a workgroup may include:

(1) health care providers specializing in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevention, screening, treatment, or research;

(2) representatives of general academic teaching institutions as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, and medical and dental units as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code as well as other educators with experience with chronic respritory diesase;

(3) non-profit and community organizations serving individuals with chronic respiratory disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,

(4) representatives from geographic areas or other population groups at higher risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

(5) other people the department determines are necessary.

(c) In developing the strategic plan, the Department of State Health Services shall:

(1) identify barriers to effective prevention, screening, and treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including specific barriers affecting providers and patients;

(2) identify methods to increase awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

(3) identify methods to increase use of evidence-based screening to enhance the number of people screened regularly for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

(4) review current technologies and best practices for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management and treatment;

(5) review technology available to diagnose and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

(6) develop methods for creating partnerships with public and private entities to increase awareness of chronic respiratory disease;

(7) review current prevention, screening, treatment, and related activities in this state and identify areas in which the services for those activities are lacking;

(8) estimate the annual direct and indirect state health care costs attributable to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and

(9) make recommendations to the legislature on policy changes and funding needed to implement the strategic plan.

(d) Not later than December 31, 2016, the Department of State Health Services shall deliver to the governor and members of the legislature the strategic plan and recommendations on goal implementation and schedule compliance related to the strategic plan.

(e) This section expires January 1, 2017.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.