By: Bonnen of Galveston H.B. No. 3105

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

Relating to the establishment of a multi-stakeholder taskforce on health literacy in Texas.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 1002, Texas Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Sec. 1002.001(13) and Sec. 1002.001 (14) to read as follows:

(13) "Health Literacy" means the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, communicate, process, and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions in the treatment, payment, or coverage of care while successfully navigating complex health care systems.

(14) "Task Force" means the Multi-Stakeholder Taskforce on Health Literacy

SECTION 2. Chapter 1002, Texas Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subchapter F. HEALTH LITERACY to read as follows:

Sec. 1002.203. MULTI-STAKEHOLDER TASKFORCE ON HEALTH LITERACY. (a) Not later than December 1, 2015, the Texas Institute of Health Care Quality & Efficiency shall establish the task force to

(b) Establish a broad definition of health literacy, to include a focus on the patient's need for transparent information about health care cost, quality, and treatment options.

(c) Examine impact of low health literacy on health care cost and quality outcomes.

(d) Develop policy recommendations and submit a brief to the Institute for inclusion in the Institute's biennial report to the Legislature and Health and Human Services Enterprise no later than December 31, 2016 related to

(i) Promotion of plain language by health care providers and simplified enrollment forms.

(ii) Development of health literacy resources for health care providers and residents of Texas.

(iii) Development of programs to support residents of this state in understanding health care information.

Section 1002.204 COMPOSITION OF THE HEALTH LITERACY TASKFORCE (a) the following representatives shall be identified by the Institute and invited to serve on the taskforce:

(b) The following members shall be invited to serve on the taskforce:

(i) Three members of the Institute of the board of directors to be selected by the chair of the board

(ii) The commissioner of insurance

(iii) The commissioner of the health department

(iv) The state Medicaid director

(v) A representative of the aging and disability services

(vi) A representative of the center for disparities and disproportionality

(vii) A representative of the Employees Retirement System of Texas

(viii) A representative of the Teachers Retirement System of Texas

(ix) A representative from each state agency or system of higher education that purchases or provides health care services as determined by the board.

(x) Three employers domiciled in Texas

(xi) Three consumer representatives

(c) The chair of the board shall appoint a lead and vice-lead to facilitate taskforce activities.

(d) The taskforce may consult with and invite participation from other groups, organizations, and agencies as needed.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.